WEST Yorkshire Police have confirmed that they are investigating a stabbing on Sutton Avenue in Bradford yesterday afternoon, which left two 16-year-old boys in hospital.

The incident occurred near Hanson Academy and the Horse and Farrier pub in Swain House.

In a statement, the force said that officers were called at 3.17pm to reports of a fight involving four males.

It confirmed that two boys, both aged 16, sustained stab wounds and were taken to hospital.

In this morning's update, a spokesperson said that one of the boys has been released from hospital with a minor injury to his arm.

The second boy sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries and remains in hospital.

Enquiries remain ongoing into the circumstances of the incident.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Bradford CID, said: "This incident has understandably caused some concerns in the community given the time of day and the location.

"Officers from our neighbourhood policing team will be providing high-visibility reassurance patrols over the coming days.

"We are pursuing a number of active lines of enquiry but it is imperative we find those responsible as soon as possible. Thankfully no one was more seriously injured, but this incident clearly highlights the dangers of carrying a knife.

"I would appeal for anyone who saw the altercation, or saw anyone acting suspiciously or making off from the area to contact police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13190288770.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The headteacher of Hanson Academy put out a statement yesterday afternoon to quash rumours that students from his school were involved in the incident.

Richard Woods said: "Today a serious stabbing incident occurred outside the school involving two members of the public.

"I want to reassure parents that no pupils from Hanson Academy were involved in the incident and neither victim is a current or former pupil.

"I want to thank the members of my staff who acted quickly to contact the emergency services and assist the victims in getting to hospital.

"Our thoughts are with the victims and their families."

Councillor David Ward (Lib Dem, Bolton and Undercliffe) said: "My understanding, from the headteacher's statement and what I have been told on the quiet, is that they were not Hanson Academy pupils.

"But if that's the case, then who were they? It was 3pm in the afternoon and they were not in class, so it would be interesting to know whether they are on the school roll somewhere and what that school is doing about them.

"It would be interesting to find out the academic arrangements of these pupils over the last 12 months and whether the perpetrator was of school age like the boys in hospital.

"After all, they do say that the safest place for youngsters is in school."