A boy has been rushed to hospital after being stabbed near to a school.

Police set up a cordon next to an alleyway between Rectory Road and Holgate in Pitsea at around 2pm today and ambulance vehicles were spotted in Mayfair Avenue, Pitsea.

An air ambulance was seen landing on the Briscoe Primary School playing field earlier this afternoon and has since left the area.

>> 'Pure shock': Neighbours speak after 'child' is stabbed in alleyway attack

Witnesses say the boy, thought to be aged 12, was attacked by a gang who also hit him with a hammer. The victims family took to social media to appeal for information

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said: "An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were called to an address in Pitsea following reports that a child had been stabbed.

"One boy with stab wounds was transported by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital."

Essex Police has been contacted for comment.