Teenager in 'serious' condition after stabbing

A teenage boy remained in hospital today after being stabbed in a suspected gang fight

The boy, believed to be aged about 16, was knifed when two gangs of youths clashed in Tottenham Court Road, central London.

Witnesses described how a handful of young men fought a running battle among Christmas shoppers on the busy street.

The first confrontation took place outside Warren Street Tube station and continued in Grafton Way.

Detectives were investigating whether the stabbing was linked to a second attack nearby earlier in the day. They are examining CCTV footage.

Members of staff at a Robert Dyas hardware shop found the injured boy sitting on the pavement.

They walked with him to the nearby University College Hospital where he collapsed.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said he is in a serious but stable condition today after treatment.

He said: "Police were called at approx 3.45pm by London Ambulance Service to reports of a male, believed to be in his mid teens, found stabbed in Grafton Way, Camden.

"He was taken to a central London hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

"Officers believe the victim was injured during an altercation involving two groups of youths in Tottenham Court Road a short time before."