POLICE investigating a vicious knife attack in Hampshire have arrested three people.

They were detained following an incident in Nelson Road, Portsmouth, on Tuesday in which a 16-year-old boy was repeatedly stabbed in the arm and leg.

The victim and his 18-year-old friend were attacked by a group of boys as they walked through a car park at around 9.40pm.

The 16-year-old was stabbed several times before the group ran off.

A police spokesman said: "Two 16-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

"They remain in custody at this time."

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44190287307. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers.