One boy remains in critical condition after a stabbing incident at a Halloween party in Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, on Saturday night. Five teenage boys, all aged 16 or 17, sustained serious injuries during the fracas, with two still hospitalized.
Two teenagers, a 17-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, both from Southampton, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They are currently in police custody. The incident occurred at a property on Park Road after details of the party were shared on social media, leading to approximately 70 uninvited guests arriving. The homeowner's parents were present but unable to manage the large influx of attendees.
The victims were found injured around 10:30 p.m. Police stated that a group of teenagers scaled a fence to gain access to the party after 10 p.m., despite not appearing to know anyone present. A fight ensued, during which the five boys were stabbed. Local residents reported hearing screams and a male voice shouting about a knife attack.
Witnesses described seeing a large number of teenagers, some of whom had spilled onto the street. The emergency services, including the air ambulance, arrived quickly. One witness described seeing medics working on a boy on the pavement for about 30 to 40 minutes before he was taken to the hospital.
The stabbed youths are believed to be friends who attended Thornden School together. A friend of the party host indicated that the gatecrashers initially appeared friendly but the situation escalated quickly. The victims are described as non-confrontational individuals.
Locals reported that groups of youths had been coming into the area from Romsey and Southampton and causing trouble. Hampshire Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with CCTV, mobile phone, or dash cam footage covering the Park Road area to come forward. Detective Chief Inspector Elizabeth Pirie urged anyone with information to contact the police, emphasizing that all details, no matter how small, could be significant.