PART of Colchester city centre has been cordoned off after police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder.
Officers were called to Queen Street at about 6.30pm yesterday after receiving reports a boy had been seriously assaulted.
Essex Police says the victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to hospital with stab wounds and remains in a life-threatening condition.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in the early hours of this morning and remains in custody, the force said.
A cordon is in place at the junction of Queen Street and St Botolph’s Street.
Shop owners 'in shock'
Judith Koenick, manager of the Nu-Trendz salon in St Botolph’s Street, was “pretty shocked” to see the road closed on her way into work this morning.
She said: “It is sad to hear [what has happened]. I hope the person recovers and is in good health.
“I just think it sad at the end of the day; everyone just wants peace.
“We have not had a bad incident in Colchester for a while which is good. I hope this year is quiet, especially being opposite a nightclub where people fight and other antisocial behaviour can break out.
"I thought things were getting better for the city.”
A nearby business owner was left feeling “scared” after learning what had happened.
They said: “I am in shock. I can't believe someone could do this. I am scared; how could people carry knives?
“I didn’t see anything last night as it was too cold to leave the shop. The police came near the entrance to my shop and I then decided to look outside.
Another business owner, who didn’t want to be named, echoed their neighbours feelings and said the city is “getting worse with young people carrying knives”.
Det Ch Insp Gregory Wood urged anyone with information which could help the police’s inquiries to come forward.
“Residents will notice an increased police presence in the area today,” he said.
“We are asking anyone who was in the area last night and may have witnessed anything to contact us and assist with our investigation.”
Reports can be made by calling 101 quoting incident number 808 of January 9.
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