A 15-year-old boy has been airlifted to hospital after being stabbed in Westcliff.

The student received stab wounds during the assault outside the North Road entrance of Seabrook College which caters for youngsters with behavioural problems.

His injuries are not throught to be life-threatening.

An ambulance spokesman said: "We were called to North Road, Westcliff at 11.26am. We sent an officer, an ambulance, a rapid response car and an air ambulance. A male was injured and he was air-lifted to hospital."

A police spokesman confirmed the patient was flown to the Royal London Hospital.

Jane Theadom, head of learning at Southend Council, said: “We can confirm that there was an incident in the side road next to the college this morning in which a 15-year-old student of the college was injured.

“The pupil was swiftly airlifted to hospital. The remaining college students were supported by staff members and together they finished the end of term with an assembly .

“The police are investigating this incident and we will do all we can to help them with their investigations.

“Our thoughts at the moment are with the family and friends of the student at what is a difficult time.”