A TEENAGE boy was stabbed in a Southampton park, sparking a surge in police patrols throughout the city.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary have been out on extended night patrols after two serious incidents in two days at the start of the week.

And now the city council’s cabinet member for health and community safety Cllr Dave Shields said he would discuss whether security should be strengthened with other councillors.

A group of men attacked a 38-year-old man near Hoglands Park, seriously assaulting him between 2am and 3am on Monday morning. He suffered a fractured jaw and is receiving hospital treatment.

On Tuesday evening between 5pm and 6.30pm, a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the chest in East Park. His injury is serious but not life threatening.

Police say that no one has been arrested at this time.

It added that the incidents are being investigated concurrently and detectives are making enquiries to ascertain whether the two incidents are linked.

Daily Echo:

Cllr Shields said he “wanted people to feel safe” walking the streets at night and was particularly concerned for new students in the area.

He added: “There are issues in our parks but I am not sure whether more CCTV or lights will help. We will work with the police...we don’t want people to feel as though they should be frightened on the streets.”

Officers from Southampton Central Neighbourhood Policing team have been patrolling all the parks in the city, and will continue to provide a visible presence for the rest of week.

The increase in patrols comes as thousands are expected to flock to Comedy Central Live! this weekend in Hoglands Park to see a number of the country’s best comedians. 

Chief Inspector Phil Lamb said: “The parks are important green spaces that are regularly used by city residents and visitors and we want people to feel safe using them.

“But as with most large, outdoor recreational areas away from roads and traffic, parks occasionally attract people who want to engage in criminality and anti-social behaviour, away from residential streets.

"We are aware of this and officers are dedicated to monitoring any developing issues within these spaces to deter criminal activity.

“We would always advise those walking alone anywhere in the city at night to stick to busy, well-lit areas and to try and avoid taking short cuts, especially during the winter months when it’s darker and less people are around.

Remain alert and report anyone suspicious to 101.”