THE LEADER of a school has spoken of her worry over the 'increase in violent behaviour and knife crime' after two schoolgirls were involved in a double stabbing.

The 13 and 14 year old girls were injured after a fight at Rivermead Leisure Centre on Wednesday at around 7.30pm.

Head teacher of Highdown Rachel Cave issued a letter to parents this week, confirming that at least one pupil from her school was injured as a 'bystander'.

Despite being unhappy with the behaviour of the pupils involved, the head said she was proud of those who stepped in to offer first aid and contact the emergency services.

Mrs Cave said: "You may have heard that there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in Reading and indeed, a very worrying increase in violent behaviour, including knife crime.

"Some reports on social media have said that some Highdown students have been involved. There is truth in this and we are working with police to investigate, support and bring to account as appropriate.

"There are other school students and post school age young people involved as well.

"Some Highdown students witnessed a violent incident and one student was injured as a bystander on Wednesday.

"Other Highdown students were responsible in seeking police and medical support and giving first aid. We are proud of their actions, but questions why they were present in late in the evening outside.

"This is an ongoing police investigation and so we are unable to comment further at this stage."

A 15-year-old girl was arrested on Thursday, on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, but has since been released under investigation.

Both teenagers remain in hospital, with the 13-year-old suffering a serious wound to her stomach and the 14-year-old injuring her shoulder and leg.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "At around 7.30pm yesterday (November 8) a group of teenagers met on a field at Rivermead Leisure Complex off Richfield Avenue where a verbal argument broke out."

"During the altercation which subsequently became physical, the victims, two girls aged 13 and 14, were injured with a knife.

"Officers and the ambulance service attended the scene."

Detective inspector Dave Turton added: "I would like to appeal to anyone who has any information about this serious incident in which two teenage girls were injured to come forward and speak to police.

"If you were present and saw what happened please contact us.

"A team of detectives is investigating and an arrest has been made in connection with the assaults.

"I'm aware there has been footage of this incident circulating online and on social media.

"I would ask that anyone who has this footage considers the implications of sharing it and does not post distressing content online."Instead if you have footage please send this to police via witness.appeal@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk."