A teenager was allegedly stabbed in the neck during an attack in Kilmarnock town centre last night.
The young boy, who is believed to be 14-years-old, was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, for emergency treatment after being seriously assaulted on Soulis Street at around 6.20pm.
Emergency services, including Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service, raced to Kilmarnock bus station after the youth was attacked nearby. He is understood to be in a serious but stable condition, with police following a positive line of enquiry.
Local reports have suggested the teenager suffered "stab wounds to the neck and back." Police confirmed the injuries sustained could have been life threatening had the teen not received immediate medical attention.
The force's detective Sergeant Sarah Holland said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened. If you saw any groups of youths in the town centre just before or after the attack, you may be able to help us.
“In addition, if you were driving in the area and have dash-cam footage that could assist our enquiries then please get in touch.
“We are treating this as an isolated incident and would like to reassure the wider community."
Detective Sergeant Holland also said extra cops will patrol the area where the attack took place in the coming days. Meanwhile, locals in Kilmarnock have reacted with shock following the incident.
A post on Forbidden Scotland read: "14-year-old boy stabbed tonight, 14 years old.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy lying in hospital."
Facebook page East Ayrshire Cooncil posted: "Reports of a 14-year-old youth being stabbed in the Kilmarnock town centre tonight.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with young lad's friends and family at the moment. Hope he is ok.
"Please check on the whereabouts of your sons.
"Kilmarnock is a dangerous place at the minute for youths."
Kilmarnock Bus Station, located on Green Street, was locked down following the attack.
Stagecoach said no buses would be stopping at the station last night, and people were being advised to steer clear of the area.
The travel company added they were supporting Ayrshire Police Division .
Anyone with information is asked to make contact with Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2776 of Monday, 24 October, 2022, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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