SIX teenagers have been arrested of suspicion of attempted murder after a man was stabbed in the neck near a school.

On Monday, a 60-year-old man suffered serious injuries on Burgoyne Road in Thornhill.

He was stabbed in the neck and torso during the attack in the early afternoon.

Two 18-year-old men, two 15-year-old boys, a 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, all from Southampton, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

All six have been released from police custody on conditional bail to allow for further enquiries to continue.

Police say that the bail includes "strict conditions which must be adhered to", including curfews and restrictions on entering certain areas of the city.

The teenagers will be required to report to custody throughout the course of the investigation and a breach of any of their bail conditions can result in further arrest.

Officers on the case have said that bail was "deemed necessary" to allow enough time to conduct and progress a thorough investigation.

On Monday, Section 60 stop and search powers were enforced across the city for a 12 hour period.

A total of 28 searches were carried out between 2.07pm on Monday to 2.07am on Tuesday.

District Commander Superintendent Phil Lamb said: “I would like to thank the local community for its continued patience, co-operation and understanding as we continue our enquiries into this incident.

“We fully appreciate and understand that this incident will have caused significant concern, which is why we have ensured a high-visibility police presence in the area, which will continue over the coming days and in to the weekend.

“As always, if you have any concerns in your local community, please speak with an officer while they are out on patrol; or alternatively you can make a report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. If it is an emergency, please dial 999 immediately.”