Five teenage boys have been seriously injured in a stabbing during a Halloween party in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
The victims—three aged 16 and two aged 17—were attacked after an “unknown group” entered a property in Chandler’s Ford on Saturday night.
Police were called shortly after 10.30pm and found all five boys suffering injuries described as serious.
An air ambulance was sent to the scene before the teenagers were taken to hospital for treatment.
Witnesses reported hearing “crying and screaming”, sounds some residents initially mistook for late-night trick-or-treaters.
Neighbour Mary Morton, 70, said she had “just gone to bed” when flashing lights appeared outside her window.
“I thought it must be roadworks. I’d never have thought all these police vans had showed up,” Ms Morton said.
The pensioner, who has lived in the Chandler’s Ford residential area for 26 years, said she had “never seen anything like this”.
Five teenage boys have suffered serious injuries following a stabbing at a Halloween party
Another resident, James, 38, said: “I heard a commotion last night and saw loads of teenagers in the street.
“It was like a party had just finished. There were girls crying and screaming.”
Hampshire Police said no arrests had been made and urged anyone with information, including those who attended the party, to contact officers.
The daughter of a nearby resident, who said she had been in contact with one of the victims, claimed she heard people “jump the fence and start stabbing”.
Angie McConnell, 67, said she returned home at midnight and found seven police vans blocking the road.
“Nothing like that happens here. It’s shocking and surprising,” she said.
“There were lots of children with their families at seven, trick-or-treating and having a lovely time.
“I can’t imagine it was anything to do with the road. Mostly just elderly people live here.”
Crime scenes remain in place on Park Road and Valley Road this afternoon
Another local man said he was woken by police officers knocking on his door at around 1.30am and asking for information.
Images from the scene show police tape sealing off parts of Chandler’s Ford as officers continue their investigation.
Police vehicles were also stationed at Park Road and Valley Road.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Elizabeth Pirie said: ‘We are already hard at work identifying anyone who was at the party who may be able to assist our enquiries, whether that be having directly witnessed what took place, having filmed any footage which may be relevant, or who may be able to help us identify the unknown group.
‘I understand the response the local community may have to hearing about this incident this morning, and I do not underestimate the impact our scenes will be having on those living in the area.
‘These scenes are vitally important for our enquiries and we are grateful to the understanding of our communities whilst we work to establish the facts.
‘If you were at the party and have not spoken with officers yet, or you have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage covering Park Road and the surrounding area, then please get in touch.’
Liz Jarvis, MP for Eastleigh, wrote on X: ‘My thoughts are with the victims and their families and all those affected by the incident in Chandler’s Ford last night, and my thanks go to our local police and emergency services for their prompt response.
‘It’s important not to speculate or share unverified information.’
Anyone who may have information has been asked to contact Hampshire Police quoting reference 44260534624.