A TEENAGE boy was stabbed in the neck on Portland.

The youngster was rushed to hospital following the attack in the early hours of yesterday.

Detectives in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses following the incident outside the Britannia Inn in Fortuneswell.

The teenager, who is believed to be 17 and lives on the island, required emergency treatment but the wound was not life-threatening.

A police spokesman said the youth had stitches in a wound to his neck but had now been released from hospital.

Bloodstains were left on the street outside the pub and islanders described the attack as ‘disgusting’.

Residents say they believe the incident was linked to a fight on Friday night, which also left a trail of blood outside St John’s Church in the same area of the island.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of Weymouth CID, said: “Police were called at 2.10am yesterday near to the Britannia pub in Fortuneswell following a report of a stabbing in the street.

“One man was injured, not seriously – he had been stabbed in the neck with a knife, we believe. It required stitches.

“The victim was a teenager, aged 17 or 18, and he’s been released from hospital now.

“Enquiries are continuing and we’re appealing for witnesses.”

A Fortuneswell resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I heard people shouting and saw the flashing police lights outside but I didn’t go out – I just went to bed.

“When I took my dog out the next morning I saw the blood and surmised that someone had been stabbed.

“It’s not good, is it?”

Another resident said: “Apparently there was a big old ruckus.

“Then was a big fight and then there were police and ambulances everywhere.”

A 53-year-old Portland woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “I know there was a fight on Friday night and then another one on Saturday with the same people involved.

“I think it’s disgusting, I really don’t know what this island is coming to.

“It’s not safe to go out at night.”

She added: “I hope whoever did it gets everything that’s coming to them.”

No one at The Britannia wished to comment about the incident.