An MP has issued a major update after a 17-year-old girl was stabbed in a town in Lancashire.
Armed Police Respond to Stabbing
Armed police descended on Wood Street in Brierfield shortly after 3pm on Friday (June 12) following reports of an attack. A cordon was put in place as emergency crews responded.
Lancashire Police said the teenage girl suffered a stab injury to her neck. A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
MP Oliver Ryan's Statement
The MP for Burnley has now issued a statement on social media following the incident. Oliver Ryan urged people not to speculate about what had happened and called for the community to 'stick to known facts'.
The MP added that both the attacker and victim are Brierfield residents as he offered his thoughts to the teenager's family. In full, Mr Ryan's statement said: "First and foremost, my thoughts are with the young victim of yesterday's horrific stabbing in Brierfield, which I know will shock and frighten everyone in our area.
"I have been to Brierfield and have been liaising with the police since yesterday afternoon, local councillors and members of the community. There will be increased police patrols in the area, though I know this is little comfort to local people.
"To address speculation, it is my understanding that both the attacker and the victim are Brierfield residents, and British. The victim is in the care of the NHS, we all wish her a quick recovery after this deeply traumatic, life-changing event - my prayers are with her and her family at this time.
"The attacker is in custody, and is a very unwell, dangerous individual. This is an active criminal investigation so I am unable to comment further at this stage as a public official.
"I would encourage others commenting to stick to known facts and not exploit for clickbait this already distressing situation for people. I have also been in Burnley Hospital myself overnight with a personal health matter, and so I apologise this statement is delayed."
Police Update
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "This was a serious incident but thankfully her injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing and she has been communicating with our officers and medical staff.
"We know that this will cause alarm in the local community and extra patrols will be in the area over the weekend to provide reassurance. If you have any concerns, please speak to any of our officers."
Anyone who witnessed the stabbing, or has CCTV/doorbell footage from the area, or has information, should contact police on 101 – quoting log 0836 of 12 June.
