RESIDENTS of the Chigwell estate where a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in the head and back have this morning spoken of their shock as the teenager continues to fight for his life.

The youngster, who lives locally, has undergone surgery at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, where his family are at his bedside.

He remains in a critical, life-threatening condition, a police spokesman said earlier this morning.

This morning friends of the victim have been visiting the scene to lay flowers and tributes as police maintain a presence at the parade of shops in Limes Avenue, just yards from the spot where the boy - named locally as Jack - was stabbed shortly before 11pm on Friday evening.

Two boys - aged 13 and 14 - who were arrested in Chigwell yesterday afternoon (Saturday) continue to be questioned at separate police stations in west Essex.

Joanne Dennis, 34, who has lived in the area for ten years, told the Epping Forest Guardian: "I'm just stunned it could happen so close to home."

Other customers at the Budgens supermarket this morning spoke about the Limes Farm Estate, the troubles that have been occurring in the area - but how police had started to make progress on the estate in recent weeks.

John Heath, 70, said: "I'm not surprised it's happened but it has definitely quietened down a bit since the police have been more active."

A 29-year-old mother-of-one, who did not want to be named, said: "It was only a matter of time. I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner."

Frank Wenderlish, 79, who has lived in the area 35 years, said: "This place is a nightmare. When we first came here it was a lovely area."

Marion Jordan, who has lived in the area for two-and-a-half years, said she was "shocked" and "horrified" by what had happened.

She added: "A child of that age. You just wonder what it's coming to."

Flowers are being laid in two places on the opposite side of the road to where the boy was stabbed.

In one of the areas candles have been lit and flowers placed next to them with wooden boards put up around them to protect them from the wind and sweeping rain.

James Harris, 16, who lives in the next street to the victim, visited the scene and looked at the tributes with a friend.

He said: "He's a decent, normal boy. Everyone's got to be careful. It doesn't seem real."

Police want to speak to a number of teenagers who were in the area between 10pm and 11pm on Friday.

Anyone with any information should ring police at Harlow Police Station on 01279 641212.

Do you know the victim? What do you think about what happened on Friday evening?

Text brief details or ring the Guardian news hotline on 07824 530131.