A youth has been left critically injured after a stabbing in Hamilton.

A 17-year-old male was stabbed during an altercation outside an address on Slim St, Melville, around 5pm yesterday, Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson said.

“Approximately seven people are thought to have been involved, and inquiries are ongoing to identify and locate them.

“A scene examination is being conducted today.”

The youth was taken to Waikato Hospital.

As part of the inquiries, police are asking anyone with information to contact 105, referencing file number 250821/2944.

Police especially want to hear from anyone in the area who has CCTV footage from around the time of the incident.

Alternatively, people can provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police received reports of the assault around 6pm yesterday.

Hato Hone St John said they did not attend the incident.