10 October 2023 , 13:43
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A police investigation is underway after two teenagers were reportedly stabbed near a state of the art college.
Police have ramped up patrols near Oakland College in St Albans, Hertfordshire, after the two boys, aged 16 and 17, suffered "serious suspected stab wounds" from an "edged implement". The attack took place at around 3.40pm on Monday and their injuries are not said to be life-threatening.
Armed response officers scrambled to the scene following reports of a disturbance between a group of people outside the nearby shops. Officers from St Albans and the National Police Air Service also attended along with two ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle and an air ambulance.
Hertfordshire Police is treating the suspected stabbing as "an isolated incident" and officers are appealing for information and witnesses. Insp Paul Caro said: "I want to reassure the public that this is being treated as an isolated incident, but police patrols are being increased in the area to safeguard others. We are working hard to trace who was responsible for the incident yesterday afternoon."
Oaklands College confirmed its premises was used as "a central space for the emergency services" following the attack which it described as "a serious incident which happened near the college". Its website describes the college as a "spacious campus" with 200 acres outside the city centre, with a full working farm and catering in "state-of-the-art kitchens and restaurant". Students also benefit from a sport campus with "elite sporting academies including football, rugby, and athletics".
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In a social media post on Monday, the college said it planned to be "open as usual" on Tuesday and that it has ramped up security presence in the area "for reassurance". It added: "We take the safety and security of our students and our staff extremely seriously. It is our number one priority to ensure that the college community is a completely safe place for learning and we will be increasing security presence tomorrow for reassurance."
A spokesperson for the East Ambulance Service said: "Two ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle and Essex and Herts. Air Ambulance were called to Hatfield Road, St Albans, yesterday afternoon following reports of a stabbing incident. Two teenage boys were transported to hospital by road ambulance for further assessment and care."