A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of another teenager in Ipswich.
The victim, a boy aged 17, suffered a one inch knife wound to his back during the attack in Cemetery Road around 7.55pm on Monday.
He was taken to Ipswich Hospital for treatment and was released the same day.
A suspect has tonight been arrested on suspicion of malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
He has been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
A knife was recovered from the scene of the crime.
The victim and the culprit are believed to be known to each other, police have said.
The stabbing happened on the same day Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced the Government would be investing £40 million in tackling serious violence amid rising crime numbers nationwide.
In Suffolk, 183 people were cautioned or sentenced for possessing a knife in the 12-month period to June 2017 – a five-year high.
David Ellesmere, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, has blamed falling police numbers on escalating violence in Suffolk.
He said: “You don’t see police out on patrol, there are far too many who commit minor crime and don’t get caught and that leads on to more serious crime.
“Of course the money the Government committed is welcome but it’s a drop in the ocean and if it doesn’t address increasing the police numbers then I think it’s doomed to fail.”
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said resources were deployed based upon the level of risk to the public.
He added: “We will always endeavour to respond effectively, prioritising crime in progress or danger to people.”
Councillor Inga Lockington, who represents the area where the stabbing happened, has expressed shock.
She said: “It’s awful, it must have been so frightening and of course for the neighbourhood to know there are people around carrying knives is quite scary.”
Mrs Lockington said there needed to be a fresh focus on youth work in Ipswich.
She added: “Clearly young people need more good role models and they need positive influences.
“If you are under 18 there are not many places for you to go.”
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the stabbing on Monday or has any information about it to call 101 quoting reference 19119/18, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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