THE local community has been left shocked after a suspected double stabbing in Hexham.

Emergency services descended on the town's Priestpopple on Friday (January 27) after a report of a teenage boy and girl being injured in the town centre near a pizzeria.

The boy, 16, and the 15-year-old girl had both suffered injuries consistent with having been caused by a bladed article and were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The girl's injuries are thought to be life-threatening.

READ MORE: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/23282587.arrest-made-incident-hexham/

A 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of assault after the incident shortly after 5pm.

A police cordon was in place for much of the evening and is expected to remain over the weekend. Some nearby businesses were asked to close.

Mayor Derek Kennedy told the Courant he was shocked to hear about the incident in an area with such low crime rate. He added: "The carrying of knives is concerning, so many lives will be damaged by the events."

READ MORE: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/23282471.recap-major-incident-hexham-police-seal-off-street/

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230127-0795.

Northumbria Police ask people to avoid speculation while the investigation is underway and anyone who has concerns, is encouraged to speak to an officer.

The Courant has contacted Northumbria Police and is awaiting an update.