Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

A student of a St Catherine-based high school had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment after he was stabbed while attempting to break up a fight.

THE STAR has learnt that the third form student was at school about noon yesterday when a fourth form student demanded money from his friend. He intervened and tried to pacify the situation, however, the aggressor would have none of it.

The aggressor is said to have been demanding extortion money from the student.

It is said that the injured boy tried to separate the students when he was stabbed in his head by the aggressor.

"Yes, is from Friday him start trouble the yute sey dat him owe money so him started to lick him up when the other student try fi part it," one student said

A number of persons told THE STAR that extortion is a problem at the school and needed to be addressed.

"Yeah man, is not the first time that the problem over the school. Some of de bwoy dem a target people children fi money, it must stop," a source said.

Meanwhile, the police have taken the 16-year-old suspect in custody on suspicion of unlawful wounding.

When contacted, a representative of the education ministry said the incident is a criminal act and must be dealt with accordingly.

"If it is criminal in society, it is the same in school. The law will have to deal with it," Director of Communication in the Ministry of Education, Collin Blair said.

A senior police officer said there will be a thorough investigation in the allegations.