A 16-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being stabbed outside Waitrose in Lewes. 

The incident happened outside the supermarket in Eastgate Street shortly after 6pm on Saturday, after a group of around 20 youths gathered. 

The teenage victim from Lewes was taken to hospital in Brighton with a knife wound to his left leg. 

Following treatment he was later allowed to go home. 

Two other boys from Lewes, one 15 and one 16, were attacked and treated for minor injuries. 

Police believe three boys, aged 16, 15 and 14, from Brighton, are responsible. 

The desperate 16-year-old victim had run into Waitrose seeking help, where an off-duty paramedic treated him. 

Staff called for an ambulance and police, and closed the store early soon after. 

The upmarket store said the boy had since been back to thank staff for their support. 

Last night police and scenes of crime officers could be seen outside the supermarket.

A 21-year-old woman who lives nearby the shop said she saw police and ambulances outside the store.

The woman who did not want to be named said: "There are a couple of officers outside Waitrose and the place is still taped off as we speak.

"It must have been around 7pm and we saw something going on outside. 

"One guy was handcuffed on the floor then he was brought to his feet.

"It was very scary being so close. There were so many crowds of kids hanging around. There must have been about 30 or 40 of them.

"It was all very hectic at the time." 

A 26-year-old woman who works near the shop said: "Normally there are lots of kids outside waiting for a bus, that's why we were thinking there were so many people outside.

"But when the police and ambulance arrived that's when we realised something had happened outside.

"Then they put the police tape around the store and realised it was something serious."

When The Argus visited the store, police officers had cordoned it off. 

Scene of crime officers could be seen investigating inside. 

A Waitrose spokesman said: "We are thankful that the gentleman is making a good recovery and must praise our partners, the off duty paramedic, ambulance service and police for their swift action." 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or phone 101 quoting serial 967 of 03/03. 

Crimestoppers can also be contacted independently through their website or anonymously on 0800 555111.