Six teenagers arrested on suspicion of attempted murder knew the 13-year-old girl they are alleged to have stabbed.
The girl was reportedly attacked at around 6.50am on Friday before being discovered at the side of the A63 in Hessle, Yorkshire.
Officers found the girl had sustained ‘life threatening injuries’ including cuts to her neck, abdomen, chest and back after she was found at the side of a road near Hull.
Six teenagers – four boys aged 14, 15, 16 and 17 and two girls aged 14 and 15 – were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after being found in a wooded area nearby.
Police have now confirmed that the suspects knew the girl and all six remain in custody.
The girl was reportedly stabbed on Friday morning before being found at the side of the A63
Police investigating an area between Hessle and North Ferriby after the girl was found
The girl was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in a critical condition, Humberside Police said.
Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Over the course of the last 24 hours my team have been conducting extensive lines of enquiry to ascertain exactly why this incident happened and to understand the circumstances that led to the attack on the 13-year-old girl who remains in a critical, but stable condition in hospital.
‘As a part of those enquiries yesterday, a large scene guard was in place around a wooded area on Ferriby High Road as well as an area on the A63, Hessle where the teenage girl was assisted by members of the public. These cordons have now been lifted.
‘I can confirm that the attackers knew the 13-year-old girl and six teenagers currently remain in our custody being questioned by detectives.
‘Officers remain in and around the area throughout today and the weekend should anybody wish to speak with them regarding any concerns they have.
‘I would like to again thank members of the public who came to the girls aid and also to those who have rang in so far and provided us with any information.
‘If you have any information that may assist officers, or if you have dashcam or CCTV footage from around the time of the incident and have not yet been in touch, please contact us on our non-emergency number 101, quoting log 82 of 1 November.’