Police are hunting for attackers who stabbed five teenage boys at a Halloween party in Hampshire.

Officers said an “unknown group” had gained entry to the party at a house in Park Road, Chandler’s Ford, and the stabbings happened shortly after 22:30 GMT on Saturday. Three boys aged 16 and two aged 17 were all taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Hampshire Police wants to speak to anyone who was there or has footage, including doorbell camera footage, covering Park Road and the nearby area.

Churches in Chandler’s Ford are set to open their doors to offer support. St Boniface and St Martin in the Wood said they would be available for people to pause for reflection or light a candle.

Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis said: “The community is in just shock this morning that such an awful thing could have occurred.

“My thoughts are with the parents of the boys, the boys and the whole community.

“It is very sad to think that these five boys have been put in hospital as a result of this incident.”

The MP urged people to “stay calm, don’t be tempted to share misinformation online and let the police do their job”.

Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Elizabeth Pirie said they were trying to identify anyone who had been at the party, “whether that be having directly witnessed what took place, having filmed any footage which may be relevant, or who may be able to help us identify the unknown group.”

Cordons have been placed along Park Road and Valley Road while officers speak to witnesses, check homes for video footage.

Police have also been speaking to residents at neighbouring houses and those in a number of other nearby streets.

St Boniface Church in Hursley Road will be open 09:00-17:00 through the week, while St Martin in the Wood in Queen’s Road will be available Monday and Wednesday between 15:00 and 17:00.