Fresh concerns have been raised about knife crime in the district after a teenager was stabbed over the weekend.

A 23-year-old man was last night being quizzed by detectives in connection with the stabbing of a 19-year-old man in Keighley town centre.

Airedale and North Bradford Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

A police spokesman said the attack took place at about 11.30pm on Friday, near Lawkholme Lane’s junction with Cavendish Street.

He said there had been an altercation in this area and the victim, who was a local man, was attacked by a group of four or five other men and stabbed.

He was taken to Airedale General Hospital with a puncture wound to his abdomen.

Police said he had undergone an operation, although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

His condition was said to be stable yesterday.

Councillor Khadim Hussain (Lab, Keighley Central) said: “It’s quite shocking. He’s 19 years old, which is quite a young age.

“We need to create awareness among young people that knife crime just isn’t worth it.

“This lad is lucky it wasn’t worse – knife incidents can be fatal – and it would have been sad to lose a young lad like that.

“Weapons are intolerable in our society.”

Coun Hussain said strong partnership work had taken place between police, councillors and schools in recent years to reduce instances of violent crime in Keighley and across West Yorkshire.

He said: “I think the police have done a good job to contain and reduce violent crime, but this incident is a warning message that we must remain vigilant, are not complacent and make sure we minimise if not eradic ate this by working together.”

Detective Inspector John Mountain, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said the men involved in the attack were white, and one of them may have been wearing a balaclava.

He said: “This man has clearly been subject to a stab wound. We are making inquiries and already a number of witnesses have come forward.”

He urged anyone who saw the stabbing to contact the Crimestoppers number, which is 0800 555111 or the police on 0845 6060606.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A