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More on KentOnline
A teenager has been arrested after a boy was stabbed in a daylight attack at a town park.
It is yet another incident to happen at Faversham recreation ground - which is fast becoming the town's crime hotspot.
The victim's mother has since said it "remains to be seen" whether her son, who "rarely leaves the house", will be able to leave home again following the assault.
The 16-year-old was knifed in the back, near to the Rec's public toilets at about 4pm on Sunday.
Police and ambulance crews rushed to the scene, and the boy was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
His injuries are not deemed to be serious.
Police have since arrested a 15-year-old boy from Sittingbourne on suspicion of assault. He remains in custody as police continue to investigate.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, the boy's mother has encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
She wrote: "Thankfully physically he’s going to be OK.
"Before anyone wants to speculate, he’s not in a gang or on drugs.
"He rarely leaves the house, whether he ever will be able to again remains to be seen.
"Look after your kids - it’s dangerous out there.
"We as a community are worried and scared for the wellbeing and future of our children..."
"If you saw or heard anything, however small, please report it to the police to put an end to this."
The stabbing is another addition to a long list of incidents at the recreation ground this year.
It has been branded a “lawless area”, and many have shared their fears of walking through the park - whether it be at night or in the day.
Concerned residents have started a petition calling for security cameras, better lighting and even a park warden to be introduced to help make the area safer.
Daisy Courtney, who started the petition, wrote: "In the last few years there has been constant aggro at the Rec. This includes two stabbings, children being robbed and threats with violence.
"My children can no longer play in their local park or even walk home from their school as the route includes the recreation ground!
"We as a community are worried and scared for the wellbeing and future of our children.
"We should be able to feel safe to let our children play at the park, walk our dogs, ride our bikes, enjoy the company of other families with out feeling anxious and scared, resulting in a community avoiding the Rec."
The petition, addressed to MP Helen Whately and Swale Borough Council, has garnered more than 970 signatures.
To sign, or for more information, click here .
Anyone with information on Sunday's incident is asked to contact the police on 01795 419119 quoting 46/182372/20.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
