Cleveland Police warn of dangers of carrying knives after three teenagers stabbed within a week
Cleveland Police have deployed extra officers and placed dispersal orders in areas of Stockton and Hartlepool, after three teenagers were stabbed in separate incidents within a week.
As a result of the incidents, Cleveland Police have arrested eight males and enquiries are ongoing.
Incident One, Friday 14 February
The first incident happened in Seaton Carew at 5:30pm on Friday 14 February. A 16-year-old boy suffered a stab wound caused by an unknown implement.
It's believed the victim had been playing a football game at The Sports Domes on Tees Road. It's alleged the boy was chased following a verbal altercation and was assaulted by a group of males. His injuries are not life threatening.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident.
Incident Two, Sunday 16 February
The second incident happened in Stockton on Sunday 16 February. Police were called to an address just off Kingfisher Avenue, where they found a 16-year-old boy with stab wounds to his abdomen, back and face.
His injuries are not believed to be life threatening and he is currently in a 'stable' condition in hospital.
Police say five young people also suffered wounds from a BB gun. A 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl both received treatment at the University Hospital of North Tees.
Officers have arrested three males aged 18 in connection with the incident and all remain in police custody.
Incident Three, Wednesday 19 February
The third incident happened on Wednesday 19th February at around 5pm near the car park at Hartlepool Train Station.
Police were called to a report of a 17-year-old boy with a stab wound. A large group of youths reportedly made off from the scene.
The boy was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding and he currently remains in police custody.
In a fourth incident involving a teenager, 18-year-old Taylor Black was found dead in Stockton.
The Northumbria University student's body was discovered at a house on Ketton Road in the Hardwick area on Monday 17 February. His cause of death is still unknown.
Nathan Costello, 30, from Ketton Road in Stockton has appeared in court charged with Taylor Black's murder.
Following the incidents, Cleveland Police have been keen to stress the dangers of carrying knives and sharp weapons.
Cleveland was the first Force in the North East to host the knife angel, which is a 27ft sculpture, made of over 100,000 weapons to highlight the losses and consequences of knife crime.
During its time in Middlesbrough, there was a programme of education and awareness raising which was targeted towards young people.