Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a 17-year-old boy from Braintree was stabbed in a Chelmsford alleyway.

Police were called at about 5.45pm on Wednesday following reports of an incident in an alleyway between Waterson Vale and Loftin Way.

The boy was discovered with puncture wounds to his lower back and leg.

He was taken to Broomfield Hospital and was released several hours later after treatment.

A 17-year-old boy from Chelmsford was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

He remains in custody.

Police said forensic investigations in the alleyway are continuing.

Anyone with information should contact PC Dan Smith at Chelmsford CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.