Taxi driver could be key witness to the stabbing of a teenage boy in Essex after street brawl

Image credit: Nissan Dynamo

Essex Police are looking to trace a taxi driver who may have witnessed a fight involving a group of teenage boys in Southend which left one boy with stab wounds.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after another boy of the same age was assaulted in Queens Road just before 5pm on Tuesday 13 October.

The victim was taken to hospital with a stab wound to his hand and chest, which required surgery.

Extensive CCTV enquiries are being carried out and officers are looking to trace further witnesses who have yet to come forward.

DC Layla Barker said: “This was a serious assault that has left a young man needing surgery for his injuries.

“We believe the attack is linked to an earlier incident in which his bike was stolen on the Southend High Street around 4.50pm that afternoon.

“I am keen to speak to a taxi driver who was in the Queens Road area at the time, and to anyone else who saw what happened or was driving past and has dash cam footage.”

The boy who was arrested has been released on bail until 8 November while Police continue their enquiries.

Officers are also working to trace a second suspect, who was described as white, also aged around 17, and wore a dark coloured tracksuit and a black coat.

Contact DC Barker at Southend CID on 101 quoting reference 42/166531/20. You can also report online at https://www.essex.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org