Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed multiple times in Luton in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The victim, a 15-year-old boy, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after police were called to Preston Gardens at around 2:10am. 

The incident comes after a weekend of bloodshed in London, which saw four men killed in knife attacks.

Detective Inspector Jerry Waite, from Bedfordshire Police’s major crime unit, said: “The victim received more than 20 stab wounds in this shocking incident and is now fighting for his life.

“It’s absolutely vital that anyone who has any information about this incident, no matter how minor it may seem, gets in touch with us. You could help us find the person, or people, responsible for this horrific attack.

“We have more than 30 officers working hard to establish the circumstances which led to the stabbing – but we need the public’s help too.

“We will also have community police officers out in the area today on patrol, so if you have any concerns please do speak to them.”