A BOY was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the stomach.

The victim, who is 13, was found injured in the Southwark Path area of Basildon at 12.50pm yesterday.

Police found the boy with a stab wound to his stomach. He was taken to hospital in London for emergency treatment.

Police say it is believed the boy had been riding his bike in the area before the attack took place.

Residents reported seeing an air ambulance landing on a Basildon cricket club pitch yesterday afternoon after the incident.

Witnesses reported seeing the air ambulance land just after 1pm on the Basildon and Pitsea Cricket Club field, in Timberlog Close.

A 47-year-old from Basildon, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We’re not allowed to go outside, but from my window I could see quite a lot of commotion going on on the field next to the Basildon Lower Academy.

“There were also three police cars and an air ambulance landed on the pitch between 1pm to 1.15pm.”

Residents spoke of their shock at the incident.

Posting on the Echo Facebook page, one woman said: “Oh my god, a boy 13 and in daylight. What has this world come to.

“I wish a speedy recovery for this little man.”

Another posted: “Oh my god, I hope he will be OK.”

Police officers are now appealing for witnesses and anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Essex Police asked people to step forward if they can help.

A spokesman said: “We are appealing for anyone who witnessed a stabbing in Basildon which has left a teenage boy needing hospital treatment.

“Anyone who saw anything, has any CCTV or dash cam footage, or any other information should call police on 101 quoting incident 480 of 8 April or the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.”