A 16-year-old boy is in hospital after a stabbing at a park yesterday evening.

Police were called to Verulamium Park in St Albans just before 7pm.

They found out that a dispute had taken place between two groups.

A 16-year-old boy sustained injuries to his abdomen and he was flown by air ambulance to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

Police at this stage have not confirmed the cause of the injuries but a number of witnesses have reported that it was a stab-related injury.

Officers have described is as an 'isolated incident'.

Chief Inspector Stuart Orton said: “I understand that news of this incident will have caused concern among the local community. 

“I would like to reassure you that we believe this is an isolated incident involving young people who are known to each other and significant enquiries are on-going by officers to identify those responsible.”

A police spokeswoman said: "Police were called at just before 7pm on June 15 to Verulamium Park, St Albans.

"Upon arrival they established an altercation had taken place between two groups and a 16-year-old boy had suffered an injury to abdomen.

"Air ambulance attended and the teenager was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

"Investigations continue at this time."

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Hertfordshire Constabulary via 101, quoting crime reference 41/8052/18.