Community support important after Halloween stabbings, say police

Police have said it is important people in the community "continue to support one another" after five teenagers were stabbed at a Halloween party.

Officers were called shortly after 22:30 GMT on Saturday to a home in Park Road in Chandler's Ford where an "unknown group" had gained entry to the event over a garden fence.

One boy, 17, remains in hospital in a serious condition and four others, who were injured, have since been discharged. Six arrests have been made.

Ch Insp Rachel Noble said she recognised incidents of this nature were "deeply distressing", adding: "It is important that we continue to support one another and ensure that anyone who needs help knows where to find it."

In a video posted on social media, Noble said there would be an increased police presence in the area, with officers carrying out high visibility patrols, engaging with residents, young people and local businesses.

"I know that incident will understandably cause concern and anxiety," she said.

"The investigation team is treating this incident with the utmost seriousness and working hard to establish what happened.

"You will have seen from our investigation updates that we will do everything within our powers to hold those responsible to account.

"You might know someone who was involved in or witnessed the incident and I particularly encouraged parents, carers and those who work with young people to take the time to talk with them about what has happened and to see how they are coping."

The force encouraged those affected to look at the support provided by The Hampshire Victim Care Hub, which provides free, confidential support for victims of and those impacted by crime.

On Thursday, police said two 16-year-old boys from Southampton had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder bringing the total number of arrests to six.

Two 16-year-old boys from Southampton arrested earlier in the week remain in custody after the court granted officers more time to continue questioning them.

Two more boys, who were also arrested and questioned as part of the investigation, have been released on bail.