A TEENAGER was dropped off at a Southampton police station early today after being stabbed six times in the back in a mystery attack in the city.

Police said a taxi driver had taken the 17-year-old to Southampton Central police station at 1.55am. Staff at the station arranged for him to be rushed to hospital.

The teenager, who has not been named but comes from the Bournemouth area, remained in Southampton General Hospital this morning. He underwent surgery for his stab wounds and his condition was said to be "stable".

Detectives said details of the attack remained unclear today but it was thought to have taken place near the Civic Centre or Commercial Road area of the city some time after 1am.

It is understood officers have not yet been able to speak to the young victim about what happened due to his condition. They were hoping to be in a position to interview him later today.

Meanwhile, detectives were trying to trace the mystery taxi driver who went to the aid of the teenager.

Det Insp Paul Barton, of Shirley CID, said: "We are very keen to find this taxi driver, as he is potentially a vital witness.

"We are not sure whether the injured man had taken a ride in a taxi or whether the taxi driver just spotted him on the ground, but either way we need to find the driver as soon as possible."

Detectives based at Shirley CID were carrying out inquiries with local cab firms today in a bid to find the driver involved.

Anyone with information about what happened is urged to call DC Stuart Pearson at Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.