A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced to two years and four months in a young offenders institution after admitting a serious assault in Portsmouth.

The teenager was charged after another 16-year-old boy was seriously assaulted in Portsmouth in January. The defendant admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 10 March.

The 16-year-old boy from Leicestershire appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday 15 May where he was sentenced to two years and four months in a young offenders institution.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary were called at 5.24pm on Saturday 25 January to a report that the 16-year-old victim had been located on Commercial Road with a suspected stab wound to his chest. It was reported that the incident had taken place a short time earlier on Arundel Street.

Specialist officers were deployed to the area to ensure the safety of members of the public.

The 16-year-old boy who had been stabbed was taken to hospital for treatment, and has since been discharged and continues his recovery.

A 16-year-old boy from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder has been released from bail without charge and will face no further action.

A 17 year-old boy from Gosport, two 17-year-old boys, a 16-year-old boy, and an 18-year-old man, all from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of attempted murder have all been released from bail without charge and will face no further action.

District Commander for Portsmouth, Supt Paul Markham said: “I’m pleased that this court result underlines that we will not tolerate knife crime in Portsmouth. There are serious consequences for everyone involved in crimes like this, whether you are a victim or you have chosen to carry a knife. It’s important that we also highlight that tackling serious violence such as this, robustly dealing with offenders and working in partnership to prevent offending remain a priority in the city.

“This week will see Operation Sceptre taking place. This is Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s force-wide week of action to tackle knife crime. In Portsmouth, there are permanent knife surrender bins at the Eastern Police Investigation Centre and Portsmouth Central Police Station.

“A key focus of our work is prevention, and during the week of action, officers will run community engagement events across the city, including schools, community centres and youth clubs, to provide further education on the risks and consequences that come with choosing to carry a knife.

“We continuously work with partners to manage individuals at risk of reoffending, identifying those who have been involved with knife-related offences and providing opportunities for engagement and diversion, pursuing prosecution and enforcement when appropriate”.