A teenager was injured following an altercation between two groups of youths in Ludlow, police said today.

An officer on patrol came across the victim in Ludlow, who had lacerations to his face and hip, at about 12.10am on Sunday and called an ambulance.

The 15-year-old was taken to hospital in Hereford before being transferred to hospital in Worcester. His condition is described as stable.

A 17-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Sergeant Dave Meyer, of Bridgnorth and Ludlow CID, appealed for anybody who might have witnessed the incident or the two groups reported to have been involved beforehand to contact police.

He said: “The incident allegedly involved two groups of teenagers who are reported to have been behaving in an anti-social manner towards one another in the town centre between about 11pm on Saturday and when the victim was found.

“It is reported that a man in his 30s had at one point attempted to separate the two groups in the Upper Galdeford area and I would urge this man to contact police on 0300 333 3000 with any information he might have.

“We believe the alleged assault happened in the area of Livesey Bank.”