A teenager has been left with a life-changing injury after being stabbed in the bottom by a gang.

Police were called to Borders Lane in Loughton at around 1pm on Thursday to reports a person had been stabbed outside Epping Forest College.

The victim, a teenage boy, was later taken to a London hospital, where doctors say he has suffered a life-changing injury to his bottom.

The college has confirmed the victim was a student, but said his three attackers were not.

DS Peter Cran, from Loughton CID, said: “We now believe we are searching for three potential suspects in connection with the attack.

“We really want to urge people who were near the area or who may have information about the location of the suspects, to contact us as soon as possible.

“This happened in a busy area, and we think there is a strong possibility that members of the public may have seen the suspects leave the scene.”

Investigators said they did not have full descriptions of the suspects, but they were thought to be Asian and in their late teens, most likely 17 to 18 years old.

Police presence in the Borders Lane area was ramped up on Thursday evening, although officers said they believed it was an isolated, targeted incident and the general public were not at risk.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Loughton CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.