Four children have been arrested by British police on suspicion of attempted murder after a five-year-old boy suffered neck injuries in woods, police said today.
Officers were called to an area of Dewsbury in West Yorkshire where they found the young victim with injuries to his neck shortly after 6pm yesterday.
Four local children - two 11-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl - were all arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, a West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said.
The young boy was taken to Dewsbury District Hospital, where his condition was described as stable.
His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
The force spokeswoman said inquiries were continuing into how the boy received the injuries.
Officers found the victim in the Chickenley area of Dewsbury, but it is understood he received the injuries in woods in the Earlsheaton area of the town.
All the children are being held in custody and will be interviewed later by police.
The force spokeswoman said: "Inquiries revealed that the injuries may have been received in woods in the Earlsheaton area of Dewsbury.
"Forensic examination of the area has taken place.
"Four arrests have been made of two 11-year-old girls, one 12-year-old girl and one 12-year-old boy - all local. All currently in custody."
PA