Boy, 15, slashed across chest on walk to school

A 15-year-old boy was slashed across the chest with a blade as he walked to school.

The pupil at Nottingham Emmanuel School, in West Bridgford, was attacked as he walked from the Meadows area at 8.30am yesterday.

Police confirmed the attack happened in woodland near Main Road, Wilford, after the boy had crossed the Toll Bridge.

Police are hunting for three black males in their late teens wearing black hooded tops.

They hit the boy over the head before slashing him as he tried to defend himself.

The boy told officers he saw a shiny blade and was slashed across the chest before escaping to his school nearby, bloodied and in shock.

Emergency services were called by staff and the boy was taken to hospital for treatment. He was discharged after receiving internal and external stitches.

Police said robbery was not a factor. They are working with the school and Nottingham City Council to determine a motive.

Head teacher at Nottingham Emmanuel School, Carol Fearria, said: "The Emmanuel school community was very concerned to learn one of our pupils was assaulted near the embankment before he arrived at school.

"The pupil is at home with his family and he is keen to return to school. We expect him to be well enough to return shortly.

"Incidents like this are exceedingly rare and I would like to reassure parents and pupils this would appear to be an isolated incident."

Residents in nearby Coronation Avenue, a leafy area which is used as a shortcut for youngsters from The Meadows and Wilford, have expressed shock.

Portfolio holder for Children's Services at Nottingham City Council, Coun David Mellen, said: "We will be assisting the police and the school in any way we can."

A Notts Police spokesman said: "Police are looking for three people in connection with an assault on Friday morning.

"A 15-year-old boy was left with a slash wound across his chest which required treatment at the Queen's Medical Centre."

Anyone with information is asked to call Meadows Police Station on 0115 948 2999, extension 6464, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

michael.greenwell@nottingham eveningpost.co.uk