A teenage stab victim was last night in “serious but stable condition” after he was knifed in the chest at Hamilton Bus Terminal.

The 16-year-old boy is being treated in the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit after emergency surgery yesterday.

Police said they had stepped up their presence in and around the bus terminal in response.

Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro said an 18-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

A second man, who was “seen to have boarded an awaiting bus”, was arrested after a struggle with armed officers.

A knife was recovered from the bus.

Officers added the two men were still in custody in connection with the incident, which happened as horrified schoolchildren looked on.

Mr Pedro thanked the public for its help.

He added: “We are working to piece together the events that led up to this callous attack on a young man.

“We recognise this will be deeply troubling to members of the public and business owners in the area.

“We would like to hear from anyone that can assist given that a young man has been seriously injured.”

Mr Pedro said: “We are keen to get justice for him and his family.”

Renée Ming, the national security minister, condemned the attack and gave her sympathy to the victim’s family.

She said the attack would have been “a traumatic experience for all who witnessed the events”.

The two men arrested and the victim are believed to have known one another.

Inspector Alex Rollin said extra police patrols would provide reassurance for schoolchildren, bus passengers and pedestrians.

He added: “For the remainder of this week there will be dedicated police patrols and enhanced CCTV coverage in and around the bus terminal.”

More patrols of the area will be carried out from next Monday.

Mr Rollin appealed to anyone with video or pictures of the incident not to share them on social media.

He added: “Please consider the sensitivity of all involved.”

A police spokesman said earlier the teenager was rushed to the hospital on a motorcycle after he suffered a “life-threatening” stab wound to the chest at about 4pm on Wednesday.

Police did not discuss what led up to the attack as the incident is under investigation.

Mr Rollin said police would “continue to partner” with the Department of Public Transportation as well as schools and the Corporation of Hamilton.

He added: “This will look to address how we as police, in support of other entities, can get students, others bus users and pedestrians safe passage into and out of the city.”