NEIGHBOURS living in a quiet residential street were left shocked and distressed after hearing a boy had been stabbed on Saturday afternoon.

The 10-year-old has since been discharged from hospital.

Police set up a large cordon in Bridgeman Street Great Lever at 1.20pm, before releasing a statement just before 7pm that an 18-year-old had been arrested by "specially trained officers" following a search.

He remains in custody for questioning.

The Bolton News:

(Picture: Phil Taylor/SWNS)

Officers have moved to reassure locals that there is no wider threat to the public  and that they will be on hand to offer support and reassurance following the shocking incident.

Police say the are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and have released no further details  - although there is plenty of speculation and rumour in the area regarding what has happened.

The 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault as officers searched the area.

Forensics teams were seen focusing their investigations at a house in the street.

The Bolton News:

(Picture Phil Taylor/SWNS)

The cordon was lifted soon after the arrest had been made.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson said following the arrest: "No child should ever be the victim of such a distressing incident.We hope that he makes a full and quick recovery.

"I appreciate that such news is likely to cause upset and shock within the local community, as well as the wider public, but I can assure you that we are doing absolutely everything we can to piece together the circumstances of this incident.

"We do believe this to be an isolated incident and at the moment there are several officers in the area conducting enquiries. If members of the local community have any concerns or issues, we would urge them to speak with these officers who are there to help and provide support to anyone who may need it."

Neighbours spoke of their distress after hearing what had happened in the area.

One said: "It's just awful and terrifying what has happened.

"We had heard a young boy had been stabbed."

Another resident said: "There was loads of police on the scene, and a large part of the road was taped off. A few of the neighbours said that there was a stabbing, and some think two young boys may be have been involved. It is worrying."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 1475 of 11/07/20. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.