Two “violent” teenagers have been jailed after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed multiple times in the town centre last year.

On March 9, witnesses described seeing the youngster left covered in blood on the floor and fighting for his life after being attacked in Gillingham High Street.

Officers were called to the scene outside Wilko and Sports Direct and the victim was taken to a London hospital after being knifed in the back and arm.

Now, 18-year-old Dimeiro Campbell, of Chester Road, Gillingham, and a 16-year-old boy from London, who can’t be named for legal reasons, have been locked up.

Campbell and his associate confronted their victim, who they didn’t know, while in a group. After a short conversation the pair stabbed him multiple times.

The victim suffered multiple injuries including an arterial bleed from a wound in one of his arms.

Attending police officers and two members of the public who had been passing, gave first aid. He was taken to hospital for treatment to life-threatening injuries but was later discharged.

Both the suspects fled the scene before emergency services could arrive but they were tracked down by CCTV from the area after the 16-year-old was identified.

Both were arrested on March 10 – the younger teenager at his home address in Watford and Campbell at Victoria Railway Station in London.

Investigators also recovered one of the knives that had been hidden in an alleyway near Campbell’s home in Chester Road, Gillingham.

On the following day, both were charged with wounding with intent and possession of a knife in a public place. They pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Friday, March 1, were both sentenced to four years and three months’ imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Raj Dusanjh, of the Medway Community Safety Unit, said: “This was an appalling assault in a busy town centre that could have resulted in the death of the young victim. It is only thanks to the timely efforts of the emergency services and, in particular, two members of the public that his life was saved.

“Both offenders came to the High Street armed with knives and intent on violence. Their assault on the victim was entirely unprovoked and investigators were determined to track them down. This was completed within 24 hours and the comprehensive examination of CCTV and recovery of other evidence ensured their conviction and imprisonment.”