A school near Croydon town centre has issued a warning about gangs after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in the neck during a fight nearby.

The teenager was discovered by officers on routine patrol suffering serious injuries at about 4.30pm on Friday, February 4, near West Croydon station.

He was at one stage in life-threatening condition in hospital, but is now stable.

A weapon that was found in West Croydon Bus Station following the incident has been sent for forensic examination.

Since the attack, and “a number of incidents” that have occurred around the town centre, the head teacher of St Andrew’s CE school has warned parents about violence in the area.

In a letter received by parents today, Kerry Targett wrote that she fears for the safety of youngsters at the Warrington Road high school.

She said: “As many of you will be aware leading up to half term there were a number of incidents that occurred around Croydon town centre, one of which led to a young boy being injured in an attack early one Friday evening.

“We all fear for the safety of our youngsters as they grow older, more independent and more willing to take risks.”

She added: “Our students can easily get drawn into situations just by being in an area of the town where other groups of students meet, which is why we will be encouraging students to go straight home after school.”

St Andrew’s students have also been told not to travel in large groups wearing hoods.

Ms Targett said: “[Wearing hoods] is reported to make people feel uncomfortable and has been known to create tensions between the general public and various groups of students – even when they are not doing anything wrong.”

Random bag searches and talks on the dangers of street crimes, weapons and gangs will be carried out at the school over the next three weeks.

It is not clear at this stage whether the school children thought to be involved in the fight in Poplar Walk, or the student who was injured in the attack, attend Ms Targett’s school.

St Andrew's school has been contacted for comment.

Four teenage boys were arrested on a Route 198 bus in London Road on suspicion of affray and were taken to a south London police station on the night of the incident.

They have been bailed to a date in late March pending further enquires.

Trident detectives are appealing for any witnesses to the incident or events afterwards, or anyone with any information about the incident, to come forward.

Contact detectives via 101, or by tweeting @MetCC. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Do you have a story? Email sean.morrison@london.newsquest.co.uk