Four teenagers have been arrested after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed and later died in hospital.

The attack happened near the Ortongate Shopping Centre in Peterborough at about 19:00 BST on Sunday.

Cordons remain in place around the area of Riseholme and some flowers have been left at the scene. Detectives said they believed the stabbing was not a random attack.

A 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man, both from Peterborough, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Two girls aged 16 and 17 have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The 16-year-old girl, from March in Cambridgeshire, has also been arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article. All of the teenagers remain in police custody.

Det Ch Insp Richard Stott, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: "This is a tragic incident which has resulted in the death of a young man, and we are in contact with his family and keeping them updated.

"While we understand the death will be concerning for local people, we do not believe this was a random attack and there will be a significant police presence in the area over coming days."

Anyone with information or who has home CCTV has been urged to contact police.

Kirsty Knight, Independent councillor for Orton Waterville, said she was on the scene moments after the incident happened and saw people trying to revive the boy.

She called it an "upsetting incident".

"Our thoughts are with the young lad, his family and friends," she said.

"We are incredibly grateful to those who stepped in to help, a reminder that care and compassion runs in our local community."

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's Conservative mayor, Paul Bristow, said: "This is a deeply tragic incident and one that is not typical of Peterborough and our wider region."

He said his thoughts were with the boy's "family, friends and loved ones at this devastating time".

"I have spoken with Supt Ben Martin and have been reassured by the police response and the action being taken as the investigation into this appalling crime continues," he added.

The East of England Ambulance Service said two ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, a Hazardous Area Response Team and a response car from Magpas air ambulance were dispatched to the scene on Sunday.

"A teenage boy was transported to hospital, but sadly died later in the evening. Our thoughts are with the boy's family and friends," a spokesperson said.

In an email to parents, St John's Church School said it would stay closed on Monday due to a "serious incident" nearby.

It said it would "continue to monitor the situation" and update parents and carers about reopening.

An image showed a large police presence near the Ortongate centre on Sunday night.

The shopping centre is open as normal on Monday, but the rear car park has been closed.

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