A 17-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the chest.

On Friday at around 6.45pm, 16-year-old Billy Baxter was walking along Bank Top in Blackburn, close to the Tesco Express, when he was approached by another teen.

It is believed the teen punched Billy before stabbing him in the chest.

Officers attended the scene and found the 16-year-old had already been taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital by a passer-by.

He was later transferred to a hospital in Manchester for specialist surgery on his heart. 

His condition is described as serious but stable.

Patrols were stepped up in the area as a precaution and a 17-year-old boy from Blackburn and a 16-year-old girl from Darwen were later arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault.

His mother, Jessie Brian said: "He was going out to meet a friend and was excited because he'd not been going out much recently.

"And then I got a phone call from him via Snapchat but it didn't sound like Billy.

"I thought it was some other kids taking the mickey.

"He said, 'mum, someone punched me and then stabbed me', and then I knew it was him.

"I just burst out crying and my partner grabbed the phone off me and asked where he was and we drove down but a lady had already taken him to hospital. 

"He collapsed at the hospital and he had to be taken to Manchester for specialist heart surgery.

"Thankfully he looks like he's going to be ok, but it was just so upsetting."

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, a 17-year-old boy from Blackburn has been charged with attempted murder.

He was remanded into custody to appear before Blackburn magistrates this morning (September 20). 

The 16-year-old girl has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police are now appealing for witnesses.

DI Kate Kennedy, of East CID said: “As a result of this incident a teenage boy has been left in a serious condition in hospital and my thoughts are with him and his family at this time.

“I would ask anybody who witnessed the incident or has any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area which could assist our enquiries to get in contact with police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 1341 of September 17.