A SCHOOLGIRL has been stabbed after a fight near a youth centre.

The Shoebury High School pupil was assaulted after leaving school at 3.15pm on Friday.

The injured victim was supported by school staff at Shoebury Youth Centre, in Delaware Road, which is located close to the school, until her parents arrived.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called by colleagues at the ambulance service around 3.15pm with reports a girl had been stabbed at a school on Delaware Road, Shoebury.

“The girl was taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be serious.

“Officers arrived and arrested a 12-year-old girl on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

The 12-year-old girl has since been released on bail until December 18.

In a message to parents, headteacher, Clare Costello, said: “Following the dismissal of students at the end of the day there was a fight between two girls which resulted in one of the students becoming injured.

“The injured girl was supported by school staff at the youth centre until her parents and an ambulance arrived.

“As with all incidents of this nature the police were called and it is now in their hands.

“As you can fully appreciate, as this is now a police matter I am unable to make any further comments.”

Claims have been made a pair of scissors or a knife could have been used to stab the victim, believed to be 12 or 13-years-old, in the side.

Parents of children at the school have spoken out about their shock following the incident.

One told the Echo their children are shaken up following the attack and witnessing the police and paramedics arrive at the scene and set up a cordon.

The youth centre is part of Shoebury Library opened under the Government’s MyPlace scheme in 2010.

Anyone witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101.