A teenager was stabbed in the chest in an attack in St. George’s on Monday afternoon.

The victim, 15, needed treatment at the Lamb Foggo clinic, but his wound was described as non-life threatening.

The attack took place in broad daylight near the junction of York Street and Queen Street shortly before 5.30pm.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “Details are limited at this time. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to get in contact with us by calling 211 the main police number, 295 0011 or, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800 8477.”

There has been a series of knife attacks in recent weeks.

Two teenagers were arrested following a brawl at the National Sports Centre on Saturday in which knives were brandished. One of the teenagers was injured in the fight.

Detective Inspector Derricka Burns of the criminal investigations unit said yesterday: “The growing incidence of crime involving bladed articles is concerning and impacts us all as a community.

“Please do your part to help make Bermuda safer, by coming forward and sharing any information you may have on this, or, any other criminal activity.”

Renee Ming, the minister for national security, did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

But Michael Dunkley, the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance spokesman for national security, suggested the increase in knife crime among the young illustrated a possible breakdown in society

He said: “It is extremely disturbing to learn of another knife incident involving our youth.

“Sadly, it is hardly surprising considering that young people are becoming involved in gangs at an early age.

“While we have every confidence in the BPS this issue requires deep family and community involvement.

“Our children deserve to be raised in a safe and nurturing environment. As parents and family members we must do all we can to raise them in an appropriate way.

“For a teenager to leave home with a knife is unacceptable and shows we have fallen down on our responsibility. As a community, we must do better.”

Last month police revealed that they had implemented stop-and-search powers in a bid to crack down on the crime wave.

Acting Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons said that teenagers were carrying knives in order to protect themselves.

Mr Simons said: “The Bermuda Police Service has noticed what appears to be an uptick in violent incidents involving the use of bladed articles.

“We’ve increased our level of engagement significantly as a result of some of the uptick we’ve seen in violence.

Carrying a knife increases the risk of you becoming more involved in a dangerous situation rather than protecting you from one.

“If you feel threatened, do not arm yourself. Report your concern to someone in authority.

“The safest thing to do if you’re threatened is to move away from the threat, to distance yourself from any opportunity to get involved.”

It is illegal to carry any bladed implement that has a blade length of three inches or more.