Six teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 13-year-old girl was found with life-threatening injuries on the side of a road.
Officers found the girl had sustained lacerations to her neck, abdomen, chest and back.
The girl was reportedly stabbed at around 6.50am on Friday and was found at the side of the A63 in Hessle, Yorkshire.
Locals to the area can expect to see an increased police presence over the course of the weekend as my officers provide additional reassurance to residents
She was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in a critical condition, Humberside Police said.
Six teenagers, four boys aged 14, 15, 16 and 17 and two girls aged 14 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after being found in a wooded area nearby.
All six remain in police custody.
Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers, who is leading the investigation, said: “I understand this incident will rightly cause concerns amongst the community and I would like to offer my assurances that as a part of our initial investigation we have six individuals in custody who are all being questioned by detectives.
“At this time, we do believe the attackers knew the victim and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances around the incident.
“Locals to the area can expect to see an increased police presence over the course of the weekend as my officers provide additional reassurance to residents.
“If you see them and have concerns, please come and speak to us.
“There are currently cordons in place surrounding the wooded area off Ferriby High Road to allow emergency services to work safely and follow multiple lines of inquiry.
“I would also like to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of the girl and assisted her at the roadside before emergency services arrived.
“If you have any information that may assist officers, or if you have dashcam or CCTV footage from around the time of the incident, please contact us on our non-emergency number 101, quoting log 82 of 1 November.”
