Police release four people in stabbing inquiry

Four people arrested after a Shrewsbury teenager was stabbed in a fight between gangs have been released, police said today.

The victim was today named by locals as Ryan Allis-Smith, of Belle Vue.

He remained in Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital today where his condition was described as stable.

Ryan was seriously injured and airlifted to hospital after the fight by Castle Walk footbridge on Tuesday night.

The fight was understood to have been pre-arranged by gangs from Telford and Shrewsbury.

Ryan is a former pupil of The Priory School and is understood to be studying at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College. His family was too upset to speak about the stabbing today.

Four youths in their mid to late teens arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Witnesses

Maria Hawkaluk, Shrewsbury police spokeswoman said investigations were continuing today. She said a large number of witnesses had come forward.

The Shrewsbury Town Football Club fan, who suffered puncture wounds to his leg and side, was a member of the fans' online forum, Blue and Amber, where supporters wished him a speedy recovery today.

One fan, who said he sat next to him in a lesson at college, said: "He is ok, will make a full recovery."

Another fan, who named Ryan, said he was a regular on the forum. He often left messages under the name "Soops" and he also calls himself "Ryan Soops Allis-Smith" on Facebook.

Today people in Shrewsbury sent their get well wishes to Ryan.

Councillor Miles Kenny, Shropshire Council ward member for Underdale, today insisted the town did not have a problem with knife crime or gang culture.

He said: "I have a lot of sympathy for the young man who was injured and wish him a speedy recovery. Castle Walk is actually very safe and I don't want people to think it is a dangerous place and think that stabbing or fights are rife because they are not rife in the town.

"We have bent over backwards to accommodate the wishes and needs of youngsters providing activities such as football and fishing. If they do want to let off steam it's somewhat disappointing if they do so by having a fight," he added.

By Kirsty Smallman and Russell Roberts