A woman has been hospitalised with "serious injuries" after being stabbed outside a school in Luton, police have said.
Just after 8.30am on Tuesday morning, the woman in her 20s was stabbed outside Beech Hill Community Primary School on Luton's Dunstable Road - prompting an arrest and a police investigation.
A Bedfordshire Police statement on Tuesday evening said a 30 year-old man has been arrested, and is currently in police custody for questioning.
Police said all children at the school, near the site of the attack, were safeguarded - while the school had confirmed it was locked down for an hour this morning.
The force added that it has maintained a strong presence in the area, which "will continue for public reassurance", while the victim "remains in a stable condition".
Police and forensic examiners were seen at the scene near Beech Hill Community Primary SchoolPA/GoogleDetective Chief Inspector Marios Wheeler, investigating, said: "We are treating this as a targeted attack on a young woman who was known by the offender, and would reassure the public that there is no wider risk to them.
"That said, the incident took place at a busy time of day and was witnessed by several people. We would urge people with any information whatsoever to come forward.
"We understand this incident is worrying for pupils and parents of the school, local residents and the wider community.
"A dedicated team is working closely with our partners to reassure people who live, work and study in the area. Our officers will remain at the scene to ensure we carry out a thorough investigation and bring the person responsible to justice."
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Police were pictured on Dunstable Road in Luton, mere metres from school grounds
PA
Cllr Javeria Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Education, said: "Whilst this was an isolated incident outside of the school grounds, I would like to commend the professionalism of the school staff in implementing the correct procedures rapidly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and staff.
"The school was on lockdown for approximately one hour purely as a precautionary measure.
"We fully appreciate that some staff and pupils may be affected by today’s incident therefore we have ensured that emotional support services are available to all who may require it."
A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson told GB News earlier on Tuesday that they were "investigating the stabbing of a woman near a school in Dunstable Road, Luton shortly after 8.30am this morning".
Police said: "The victim has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. One man has been arrested and is currently in police custody. All children are safe within the school and there is no wider threat to the public. Police will maintain a strong presence in the area for reassurance."
Bedfordshire Police have urged anyone with any information about the incident to contact police on 101 quoting Operation Noriker.
A school spokesperson said: "Bedfordshire Police is investigating the stabbing of a woman near the school in Dunstable Road.
"Following the incident, the school was on lockdown for approximately one hour purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and staff. Parents have been advised of the incident and emotional support is available to all children and staff who may require it."
