A 15-year-old boy is fighting for life after being stabbed more than 20 times in Luton.
Officers were called to the scene in Preston Gardens at around 2.10am.
The victim was raced to hospital, where he remains, after the "horrific attack".
Detective Inspector Jerry Waite, from Bedfordshire Police's Major Crime Unit, said: “The victim received more than 20 stab wounds in this shocking incident and is now fighting for his life."
Officers are seeking information to establish the circumstances.
Mr Waite added: "It’s absolutely vital that anyone who has any information about this incident, no matter how minor it may seem, gets in touch with us. You could help us find the person, or people, responsible for this horrific attack.
“We have more than 30 officers working hard to establish the circumstances which led to the stabbing – but we need the public’s help too.
“We will also have community police officers out in the area today on patrol, so if you have any concerns please do speak to them.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bedfordshire Police on 101, quoting Operation Bald, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
