Luton stabbing: Two teenagers stabbed in 'broad daylight' as shocked shoppers look on

Footage shows shoppers walking past trail of bloody footprints

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon in The Mall shopping centre (Daniel Coogan/Twitter)

A pair of teenagers were stabbed "in broad daylight" in a "rammed" Luton shopping centre, police said.

Footage from the scene posted to social media showed shoppers walking past a trail of bloody footprints.

The 17-year-olds suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital, Bedfordshire Police said.

The pair, whose injuries are not thought to be life threatening, were both arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

A spokesman for The Mall shopping centre told The Independent that it was "absolutely rammed" when the incident took place.

They added that the teenagers sustained their injuries during an altercation "involving a number of males".

Members of the shopping centre's security team first gave medical attention to the two boys before focusing on evacuating the area, which the spokesman said was cleared within about half an hour of the incident on Sunday afternoon.

Footage from the scene appears to show bloody footprints (@5heraz7/Twitter)

Bedfordshire Police Detective Inspector Jackie Dadd said: "This happened in broad daylight in a busy shopping centre and has obviously caused some real concern to members of the public."

Urging anyone who filmed the incident to come forward, she added: “Such violence in a public place will not be tolerated and we are committed to tackling anyone who thinks it is acceptable to act in this manner."

In a tweet, the shopping centre said they were "working closely with Bedfordshire Police on their investigation."

It added: "Please be assured this was an isolated, targeted incident. The Mall is open as usual today."

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Bedfordshire Police via their website.