A SOUTHAMPTON teenager tried to murder a student by repeatedly stabbing him as he lay helpless on the ground, a jury was told.

Ingus Birulis suffered "multiple blows to the torso" after being attacked by one of the two people he was with, Southampton Crown Court was told.

Residents rushed to the aid of the badly-injured victim after he banged on their doors in a desperate attempt to get help, the court heard.

Daily Echo: Police at Monks Way in October last year.Police at Monks Way in October last year.

Kelly Brocklehurst, prosecuting, said the incident happened in an alleyway leading from Monks Way to Octavia Park in the city on October 11 last year.

He said the defendant, who cannot be named because of his age, began to question Ingus about something that had happened earlier in the day.

"Ingus started to feel uncomfortable and made as if to leave but the defendant told him 'You're not going anywhere' or 'You're not leaving here'."

Ingus, 18, attempted to run back to his car but tripped and fell. The defendant then lunged at him with a large knife as he lay on the ground, the court heard.

"The lunges were directed at someone who was not able to defend himself. He crawled away, screaming for help."

Daily Echo: Police at Monks Way in October last year.Police at Monks Way in October last year.

Mr Brocklehurst said the defendant fled the scene. Ingus managed to reach his car and started knocking on nearby doors after retrieving a medical kit from the vehicle.

A woman came out of her house and gave him first aid while another neighbour rang for an ambulance.

Ingus was taken to Southampton General Hospital with "five penetrating injuries" to his chest, abdomen and left buttock. He was also suffering from a fractured rib and a collapsed lung but made a fairly quick recovery the court heard.

Mr Brocklehurst said Ingus had agreed to act as a "taxi driver" for the other two and drove them to Weston. After a heated discussion, he refused to take them anywhere else but relented "just to keep the peace and calm everything down".

Daily Echo: Police at Monks Way in October last year.Police at Monks Way in October last year.

He took them to Mansbridge but declined to go any further, at which point all three ended up on foot.

The defendant, who was 15 at the time of the alleged incident, denies attempting to murder Ingus and also denies wounding him with intent.

The trial continues.