A 17-YEAR-old was taken to hospital after he was attacked in Merry Hill.

The incident took place in the food court at Merry Hill at around 1.10pm on Saturday, May 12.

Shoppers fled the scene in horror after claiming they saw a man attacked with a hammer.

West Midlands Police have now arrested a 16-year-old boy.

A spokesman said: "A 17-year-old boy was injured in an assault at Merry Hill Shopping Centre yesterday (12 May).

"The teenager was seen being chased by another boy at around 1pm.

"He subsequently walked into the food hall with facial injuries and was assisted by staff. 

"He was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries and was later discharged to recover at home.

"A 16-year-old boy has been arrested for carrying two knives and is now assisting police with their enquiries."

Horrified shoppers tried to flee the scene.

Witnesses said they saw children knocked over and a lady knocked unconscious during the drama.

Danielle Gilmour, who was shopping at the time, said she was left "shook up".

She told the News: "It was awful.

"I'm fine but very shook up but just glad to be unharmed.

"From what I saw a man came running through Eat Central as if to leave the Nandos and Pizza Express exit, but was caught up by another man who had a hammer.

"The two collided into the Burger King queue and knocked over children and also knocked a lady unconscious.

"The man hit the other man in the face with the hammer and after a short brawl the guy tried to run away to the other side to Eat Central before being struck again.

"I saw two gentlemen, one with facial injuries and another with an injury to the back of his head.

"There seemed to be more people around who were involved with the two men but they ran away as security tried to bring it all to a close."

One twitter user wrote: "Just got back from Merry Hill after witnessing a boy strike another boy round the head with a hammer in the food court.

"He then ran off and came back to have another go at him when a man intervened.

"What is this world coming to!"

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 giving log number 1108 of 12 May.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.