A KNIFE-wielding teenager who carried out a "near fatal" stabbing robbery on a boy in a Timperley park last summer has been jailed.

Four teenage boys were jailed on Tuesday after they pleaded guilty to the robbery and assault of a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed in the heart as they tried to steal his bike.

Ramario Laird, 17, of Valley Road, Urmston was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court to a total of 10 years and six months in prison after he pleaded guilty to a section 18 wounding and robbery.

The court heard that Laird stabbed the 16 year old in the heart as he and three friends tried to steal the boy’s bike.

The three other boys with Laird pleaded guilty to robbery, a 16-year-old boy was sentenced to four years and 10 months in a youth offender’s institute, a second 16-year-old boy was sentenced to four years and a 15-year-old boy was sentenced to three years and four months.

The incident occurred on Monday, August 21, when the two 16-year-old boys were in Pickering Lodge Park in Timperley playing a game of chess after they had finished their basketball practice in the park.

The boys were approached by Laird and the other youths and an attempt was made to steal their bikes.

As they tried to stop the group, they were both assaulted and one of the boys was stabbed twice to the upper body, with one of the blows piercing his heart.

He required lifesaving surgery and is still recovering from his injuries.

Detective Sergeant Steve Warriner, of GMP’s Trafford Division, said: “The victim was so lucky to escape with his life.

“The two boys were completely innocent and using the park for its true purpose.

“The four offenders came into the park looking for targets to rob. They found the victims playing chess and in an unprovoked and shocking attack, Laird nearly killed one of the boys in the process.

“I hope today can provide the victims and their families some justice and I wish the boy well in his continued recovery.”

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the community and witnesses who provided valuable information to this investigation which has led to all four offenders being identified and prosecuted.”