A 16-YEAR-OLD boy is fighting for his life after being stabbed in a pub courtyard in a "targeted attack".

       The teenager - who has not been named - was attacked at around 11.15pm on Saturday evening just outside the Duke of St Albans Pub in Nottingham.

       1

       A boy, 16, was stabbed in a pub courtyard Credit: google maps

       The attacker, believed to be alone, attended a private party and sought out the victim before carrying out the assault.

       The boy was taken to a nearby hospital for surgery following the incident.

       Nottinghamshire Police arrived on the scene and put in place a section 60 order - temporarily giving attending officers the power to stop and search people in the area.

       Officers made two arrests for possession of weapons, but they are not believed to be linked to the attack.

       Officers did recover a number of weapons including a firearm.

       A police cordon remains in place in the area while initial investigations into the attack take place.

       Most read in The Sun

       HOL NEW WORLD Huge change to travel rules TODAY as green and amber lists scrapped

       Exclusive

       LEGGING IT RHOC star, 40, flashes legs out with new partner West Ham owner Sullivan, 72

       FUEL D-DAY Soldiers start delivering petrol today as fuel crisis continues to hit London

       Exclusive

       SWIMMING FOOLS Boozy gran, 46, & pal break legs on flume sneaking into pool at 2am

       Exclusive

       BIG HIT I broke a chair in front of Matt Damon - it was time for gastric band, says Alison

       Exclusive

       ANTI-VAXX WAG John Stones' partner causing controversy by reposting anti-vaxx messages

       Uniformed officers are also in the area to provide greater public reassurance.

       Detective Inspector Mike Ebbins, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "It is believed this was a targeted attack by an individual and not an incident that affects wider public safety, although clearly it is concerning for the community whenever a serious incident like this happens.

       "Our thoughts are with the male and his family at this time and we are working incredibly hard to trace the person responsible and would urge anyone who may be able to help us find him quicker to get in touch - even if it is anonymously through Crimestoppers.

       "A large amount of resource is being put into this investigation and officers have been making enquiries in the area, including reviewing CCTV footage.

       "Nottinghamshire Police is committed to preventing and enforcing against knife crime and teamwork with the public and partner agencies is vital in tackling incidents such as this.

       "I would urge anyone who has information that could help the investigation to contact Nottinghamshire Police as soon as possible on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."