A teenage boy has been left with a life-changing stab wound to the face after an altercation with another boy.

The boy was attacked by another teenager after a confrontation at a play area in Hornbeam Road, Buckhurst Hill, on March 16, Essex Police said.

The victim was approached at some time between 6pm and 6.30pm on the evening of the incident. He was able to rip off a piece of the suspects coat in the tussle before he was stabbed.

He suffered a stab wound to the face and was later taken to hospital in London, where doctors say the injury will be life-changing.

DS Peter Cran from Loughton CID said: “This is believed to be an isolated and targeted incident, with no ongoing risk to the public.

“We would like to urge people who may have seen anything last Friday evening to come forward.

“Due to the nature of the area, there is a strong possibility that members of the public may have seen the suspect leave the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Loughton CID on 101, quoting reference number: 42/036585, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.