A group of six teenagers have been arrested after a 13-year-old girl was found stabbed at the side of a road in Humberside.
Emergency services were called to the A63 in Hessle at 6.50am to reports that a girl had been stabbed in the neck, abdomen, and back.
Four boys aged 14, 15, 16 and 17, and two girls aged 14 and 15 were arrested soon after in a wooded area nearby.
A Humberside Police spokesperson said he believed the attackers "knew the victim", who is in a critical condition in hospital.
The A63 in Humberside
Google Maps
Det Supt Simon Vickers said: "I understand this incident will rightly cause concerns amongst the community and I would like to offer my assurances that as a part of our initial investigation, we have six individuals in custody who are all being questioned by detectives.
"At this time, we do believe the attackers knew the victim and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances around the incident.
"The girl remains in hospital in critical condition and her family are being supported by officers at this difficult time."
He added: "Locals to the area can expect to see an increased police presence over the course of the weekend as my officers provide additional reassurance to residents. If you see them and have concerns, please come and speak to us."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Police are at the scene in woodlands off Ferriby High Road
Google Maps
BBC News reports the search is being carried out in a field between the railway line and the dual carriageway however is also extending into the surrounding woodland.
It has been reported officers are seen going in and out of a nearby hotel, the Hull Humber View Hotel which reportedly has become a temporary base for detectives involved in the investigation.
Approximately 12 police officers continued to search land close to the A63 until about 6pm.
The area has been described as "criss-crossed by busy roads", where there are nearby pockets of woodland.
