A Swindon teenager has pleaded guilty to stabbing another teenager in Royal Wootton Basset in June.

The 17-year-old left a 16-year-old needing seven stitches after stabbing him in the back when a fight broke out.

The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Swindon Youth Court to section 18 grievous bodily harm.

He also pleaded guilty to attempted GBH against a second teenager and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

The stabbing happened on the evening of June 3 the two victims came across three male teenagers, who were known to them, in the New Road area.

Officers were called by the ambulance service shortly before 9.30pm, and the victim was taken to Great Western Hospital by air ambulance with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The two other defendants, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, both from Royal Wootton Bassett have also pleaded guilty to the three offences.(Image: Newsquest)

The 17-year-old from Swindon remains in custody. The 16-year-old and 17-year-old from Royal Wootton Bassett are on conditional bail.

All three are due to be sentenced on September 18.

DC Chris Hemns said: “There can be no place for incidents like this in Wiltshire.

“The impact of knife crime on our communities can’t be underestimated, and it is a Force priority to target those who are carrying knives.

“Even one incident involving a knife is too many, and I’d urge anybody who feels the need to carry a knife, whether to proactively use it or for their own protection, to please consider otherwise.

“The impact of doing so can be lifelong.

“We are continuing to undertake a significant amount of work on the streets and with our partners to get to the root of knife crime.

“It is not, however, a problem that can be solved by the police alone. It will require a long term, joined up approach between the police, our partners, and parents to educate young people on the risks you take by carrying knives.”

Find more advice and information here: Stop knife crime | Wiltshire Police