Police are investigating after an eight-year-old boy was stabbed in the leg outside a Bradford primary school, it has been revealed.

The attack happened at Hill Top Primary School, Low Moor, shortly before the school day started and police believe the weapon was a penknife.

A 12-year-old boy, who is not a pupil at the school, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

It is believed that the young victim required treatment at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “We are unable to comment on individual cases like this and this incident is the subject of a police investigation. However, we are supporting the families involved.”

Ward councillor Andrew Thornton (Lab, Royds) said he was not aware of the incident but said: “Any incident like this is of very great concern and I hope it will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate action taken to prevent a repeat.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police received a call at 9am on May 26 reporting an eight-year-old boy had been assaulted on his way to school in Common Road. He was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary with cuts and bruises to his legs. It is believed that a small penknife was used.

“A 12-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.”

No one was available at the school to comment on the attack.