A BOY of 16 was stabbed in the eye with such force that the blade broke his eye socket and sliced his left eyeball in two in a horrific attack in Salisbury.

The incident, in Downton Road, Harnham at 1.30pm on Sunday, sparked a major police investigation that has led to five arrests so far.

Police have not yet established a motive, but they have charged 36-year-old Salisbury man Duncan Chaney with robbery and wounding with intent. He is being held in custody.

The boy, from Dorset, may now be blind in one eye for life.

He also suffered a deep cut to the back of his neck and a fractured hand.

Two other men aged 38 and 40, and a woman aged 40, were also arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent, while another man, aged 51, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and wounding with intent. All four have been bailed.

The victim was described as being in a “serious but stable” condition after the assault. He was released from hospital on Tuesday.

Police have not revealed what kind of weapon was used in the attack, describing it only as a blade or sharp object.

One witness reported seeing two men in the area whose faces were “dripping with blood” at the time of the incident.

Police cordoned off a footpath opposite the BP garage while crime scene investigators combed the area for clues.

Insp Pete Sparrow, sector commander for Salisbury, said the boy had been visiting friends in the city when the attack took place, and that he knew the people who were arrested.

Insp Sparrow said: “We are still appealing for witnesses and would urge anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious or anyone acting suspiciously around 1pm to 1.30pm on Sunday to come forward.

“Understandably, incidents like this will cause concern amongst the local community.

“I would like to reassure residents that this was not a random attack and we are conducting a thorough and robust investigation into the incident.”

A South Western Ambulance Service spokesman said paramedics were called at 1.45pm to reports of a “suspected stabbing”.

A rapid response vehicle and two ambulances were dispatched and two patients were taken to Salisbury District Hospital, one of whom was Mr Chaney, who was treated for minor injuries.

Detective Sergeant Dean Garvin said: “This is a busy area of Salisbury, so a number of people are more than likely to have seen or heard something suspicious around this time.

“I would like to thank those who have helped police so far, however if you haven’t spoken to an officer yet and have information please contact me.

“Any information you have, no matter how small, may be crucial to our investigation.”

If you can help the police, contact Salisbury CID on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.