RESIDENTS describe the 'attempted murder' involving young teenagers at their doorsteps as ‘incredibly sad’.

A young boy remains in hospital with two stab wounds after an incident at 12.50am this morning (August 9) in Hemdean Road, Caversham.

Two teenage boys, both aged 16, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

READ MORE: Boy in hospital with two stabs wounds and two arrested for attempted murder

Parts of Hemdean Road have been closed by Thames Valley Police while an investigation takes place with forensic officers in white suits being spotted in the area.

Balmore Park Surgery, off Hemdean Road, has also been forced to close for the day.

One resident, who had to ask police whether he could leave his home this morning, said he saw blue lights through his bedroom window last night and ‘heard running’.

James Burton, 39, a local government worker who lives in the area, said he was ‘shocked’ to see the large police presence this morning.

“Everyone I know was shocked to see such a major police presence this morning,” he said. “Even more so when they heard the details of the incident.

“I had lots of messages asking if my wife and I were okay, and we then messaged a few friends who live in the area that they'd taped off. It was quite concerning when we didn't know what was going on.

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"Obviously we have to be extremely cautious and sensitive before drawing any direct parallels, and we shouldn't speculate on exactly what may have happened at such an early stage, but another stabbing involving young people is bound to stir up memories of the tragic murder that happened on Bugs Bottom in 2021.

“It was one of the first things that crossed my mind and you can't help but feel it's incredibly sad that young people are getting caught up in this level of violence.

“Like everyone else round here, I just hope the victim will fully recover and really feel for what  his friends and family must be going through at the moment."

The incident happened only a 20-minute walk away from where 13-year-old Olly Stephens was tragically stabbed to death in Bugs Bottom on January 3, 2021.

One resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “I lived on Hemdean Road for over two years, it’s shocking to think something like that would happen somewhere that felt as safe as Caversham.

“It’s so sad and terrifying to see knife crime incidents happening, especially after what happened to Olly Stevens.”

The road has remained closed for most of the day and pedestrians have been diverted away from the area.

Specialists are working with the boy’s family while he remains in hospital.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Forensic officers at scene of attempted murder

Mr Burton added: “The police have done a great job on what was clearly a very taxing day - they've been very helpful and patient with people who were having to follow some pretty lengthy diversions around the scene.

“It was frustrating but I think people understood it was necessary and I think having a visible presence, including knocking door to door and talking to people, was as reassuring as it could be under the circumstances."