A teenager stabbed a schoolboy in the chest with a knife in a row over how to treat women.

A 16-year-old from Westcliff, who cannot be named for legal reasons, launched the vicious knife attack on a boy from his school after a row over Facebook escalated into a physical fight in the street.

Southend Youth Court heard the teenager organised to meet up with the boy he was arguing with outside McDonalds in Southend’s High Street on October 22 last year.

Tamsin Sharpe, prosecuting, said: “The victim was at his home and was arguing with the defendant over Facebook chat.

“They were having a disagreement about the defendant being disrespectful towards females.

“They agreed to meet outside McDonalds and there was a fight, they were punching each other.

“The victim won the fight as he had the defendant pinned to the floor.”

Following the fight, the victim got up to walk away but noticed the 16-year-old attacker had got to his feet and was pulling out a knife.

A chase ensued and the defendant caught up with the boy, before stabbing him in the chest.

Mrs Sharpe added: “The victim had a stab wound to the chest, measuring about 5cm deep.

“The knife was not recovered and blood splats were found on the defendant’s clothing.”

The court heard the fight and the stabbing were witnessed by the victim’s cousin, who had stood nearby to keep watch over his relative.

The teenager admitted one charge of malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He will next appear at Basildon Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, March 31.

He was released on bail with the condition that he does not contact the victim directly or indirectly.