Teenager stabbed in Preston knife attack as Lancashire Police issue stop and search powers
A teenager was stabbed in Preston last night.
The youth was wounded in a knife attack in Ingleton Road, Ribbleton, at around 7.20pm. He was taken to hospital but Lancashire Police said his injuries are not life-threatening.
The force introduced stop and search powers in the Grange, Brookfield, Homeslack, Fishwick, and Ribbleton areas of the city in response to the stabbing.
A 40-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article in a public place. Lancashire Police said this arrest was not linked to the stabbing, but came as a result of the stop and search powers.
Police statement
A police spokesperson said: “We wanted to let you know that stop and search powers are currently in place in areas of Preston following a report a teenager was stabbed in the city.
“It happened in Ingleton Road just before 7.23pm and thankfully the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening.
“We take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and we have officers, including those from our Preston Taskforce, currently out and about in the city in order to keep you safe.
“As such, in order to investigate this incident effectively and keep you safe, a search authority under Section 60 and Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, has been put in place.
“It will remain in place until 8.26am tomorrow and can be extended if necessary.
“These powers allow our officers to stop and search any person inside the designated area shown on the map (Grange, Brookfield, Homeslack, Fishwick, and Ribbleton) and the authority to remove any face coverings.
“With this in mind, a 40-year-old man from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article in a public place. He remains in custody at this time.
“This arrest is not linked to the stabbing but came as a result of the stop and search powers.”
The force spokesperson added: “As stated above, there are an increased number of officers in the area. Please don’t be concerned. They are there for reassurance and to ensure reports are investigated thoroughly.
“Anyone with information about the incident on Ingleton Road is asked to call 101 and quote log 1324 of March 17, 2026.
“Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”