A TEENAGER has been arrested after a ten-year-old boy was stabbed at a house in Bolton.
Armed police swooped on the scene after the knife attack in the suburb of Great Lever at around 3pm.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
Cops said the teen was detained as police searched the nearby area - and he has been taken in for questioning over the attack.
North West Ambulance Service said the boy was "alert" when they were treating him at the scene.
GMP said the boy remains in a stable conditions and is hoped to be discharged from hospital tonight.
The force added they believe the knife attack to be an "isolated incident with no wider threat to the public".
SCHOOLBOY STABBING
Neighbours spoke of their horror as up to seven police cars swooped on the quiet residential road as a chopper circled over the area.
One local said: "It’s such a quiet street, I came outside and there was a helicopter overhead. I’ve never seen anything like it."
They added: "I always see that little boy walking down the street with his mum and I know them to wave to, I really hope he’s okay."
Pictures show officers in full forensics gear entering a property which was behind a police cordon.
Local resident Emma Cullis said: "When I first came out of my house and saw all the police.
"I thought someone had been run over. Then I heard it was even worse."
Forensics officers could be seen searching through the front garden of a house.
Meanwhile, neighbour Emma Collins said: “They’re such a quiet family, I don’t think the kids really play out. Just a really nice family."
Another neighbour said: "He’s just a normal, happy little boy. I can’t believe this has happened."
One local added: "God, this is awful. I really hope he’s okay."
And another resident said: "I came out of the house and there was a helicopter circling for quite a while. "
Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson said: “No child should ever be the victim of such a distressing incident and my thoughts are with this young boy and his family as he receives medical treatment in hospital.
"We are pleased to hear the news that the boy is doing well and that he may be discharged later today. We hope that he makes a full and quick recovery.
“I appreciate that such news is likely to cause upset and shock within the local community, as well as the wider public, but I can assure you that we are doing absolutely everything we can to piece together the circumstances of this incident.
She added: "In a recent development, specially trained officers have made an arrest of an 18-year-old man who will be questioned by detectives in the coming hours.
Most read in News
“We do believe this to be an isolated incident and at the moment there are several officers in the area conducting enquiries.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"If members of the local community have any concerns or issues, we would urge them to speak with these officers who are there to help and provide support to anyone who may need it.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 1475 of 11/07/20. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqecsKtfZn9xhZZpcGxnkqTGbr%2FTmpmbnZRir7C406ilZqifobaksYyapJutnJa7pLGO