Two men have been arrested after an 18-year-old was knifed in a Belsize Park street.

Police and paramedics were called to Adelaide Road after the teenager was stabbed in the stomach at around 4pm on Tuesday.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for serious injuries and was said to be in a “stable but serious condition.”

Police were then called again to reports from hospital staff that two other men aged 23 had turned up at a nearby hospital one with stab wounds and the other with head injuries during the same incident which took place in broad daylight opposite the junction with Elsworthy Rise.

Police said their injuries were not serious and they were later arrested.

Officers cordoned off the crime scene in Adelaide Road while they carried out inquiries.

Rory Brigstock, 24, of Brocas Close, close to the scene said: “It’s shocking, you very rarely hear about violence around here let alone three stabbings in broad daylight. You hardly ever even see the police.

“It’s a really busy road so for something like that to happen while kids are coming home from school is quite frightening.”

Jane Simpson, 72, who lives in nearby Steele’s Road, and was walking along Adelaide Road just before the incident yesterday, said: “It is absolutely shocking that this happened in broad daylight. It is horrible to think that our neighbourhood is no longer safe.”

Officers from the Trident and Area Crime Command are investigating.

Detective Sergeant Jez Dargan from Trident, said: “I am appealing for anyone with information, or who may have been in the area and witnessed the incident, to contact police. All information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence”

He urged anyone with information to contact 020 8358 0012 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.