Barclay Academy has confirmed that two of its students are in a "stable condition" after a suspected assault in Stevenage this afternoon.

Police were called at around 3pm today (March 13) following reports that two teenage boys had been assaulted by a group of six other teenage boys in Walkern Road.

Officers attended the scene and the two victims were taken to hospital with head and hand injuries. The suspects have all been arrested and are in custody.

In a letter to parents, Barclay confirmed the two Year 11 students are in a "stable condition" and that the suspects are "not part of our school community".

The academy also confirmed that the incident did not take place on school grounds, but a female member of staff nearby intervened and was thankfully unharmed.

"After school, as you may be aware, there was an incident outside the school gates," the letter reads.

"A group of youths who are not part of our school community, attacked two of our Year 11 students.

"Although this occurred off school grounds, a vigilant staff member was present and intervened, putting herself at risk. Her swift actions prevented further harm to our students. Fortunately, the staff member is shaken but unharmed physically.

"Following first aid procedures, our staff accompanied the injured students to the hospital. Currently, both students are in a stable condition.

"We extend our sincere apologies to our community members affected by this attack. We will uphold the privacy of the families involved and refrain from providing further updates without their consent."