A Larnaca teenager is in a serious condition after being stabbed in the chest, reportedly by a classmate, at school on Wednesday.

According to the information available so far, the 17 year-old was stabbed during the course of an argument with another pupil at around 11.10am, during break time.

The attacker, however, had not been taken in to custody soon after as other pupils at the school appear reluctant to name him.

The school’s head teacher had accompanied the ambulance carrying the victim to Larnaca General Hospital and then, due to the seriousness of the injuries to his chest, to Nicosia.

It remains unclear whether he was being treated at Nicosia General Hospital or Makarios Hospital which specialises in paediatrics, but his condition has been described as serious but out of danger.

Police investigations into the exact circumstances of the attack are underway and officers are reportedly at the school at this time. Teachers were encouraged to continue their lessons as usual.

In comments to state radio, Education Minister Costas Kadis said: “This truly is a disturbing event”.

He said it would be thoroughly investigated.