Three teenagers were attacked and stabbed by a gang of youths Monday afternoon while walking on a path inside a park on Long Island, officials say.
A group of teens was walking on a trail alongside the softball and lacrosse fields at Hempstead Lake State Park shortly after 3 p.m. when several youths accosted them, stabbing three of the teens, according to officials and a law enforcement source.
A law enforcement source said there were at least six attackers and all were believed to be members of the MS-13 gang. Some attend Hempstead High School, they said.
One attacker might be as young as seven years old, the source said.
One of the attackers had a machete and one had a knife, according to the source.
At least one teen was stabbed and is in critical condition, according to the source. The other three teens had minor injuries.
The suspects fled the area. There weren't any reports of arrests, but law enforcement sources say the ambush appears to be gang-related.
A state parks spokesman says state police, Nassau County police and state park police are investigating.
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The park frequently hosts recreational youth leagues, and one softball coach arrived Monday to find the area swarmed by police.
"It's shocking," said Anthony Silecchia. "It's a family activity center, and to have something like that occur here is disconcerting."
The 7-year-olds on the East Rockaway's Munchkin softball team ended up having to play against each other after their Rockville Centre opponents canceled, citing the violence and ongoing police investigation at the park.