A 16-year-old youth is now in hospital nursing stab wounds following a dispute with his jealous 48-year-old lover and guardian, THE WEEKEND STAR has learnt.

Following the dispute which occurred on Sunday, residents of a section of Sterling district, Westmoreland, are praying for the speedy recovery of the youth and the capture of the woman, who it is said fled her home.

THE WEEKEND STAR heard that a little over a year ago, the woman had offered the youngster a place to live when the two met after she lost her purse and it was found and returned by the teenager.

ran away from home

The teen had previously ran away from home, claiming he was being abused by his family in Sheffield, also in the parish.

While living at the woman's home, the two are said to have become involved in a relationship. It is said that they even publicly showed off their feelings towards each other.

"Who neva know a who neva live ya ... Dem neva hide it," 36-year-old Petal Buchannan, a resident on the community said.

Another resident, Anthony Smith, said that even when walking through the district the two were quite romantic. "A pure hug up and kiss up kiss up ting dem use to gwaan wid mek everybody si. Dem did boasy wid it yu si," he said.

All the affection is said to have taken a bitter twist, however, when the teen was accused of having an affair with a schoolmate.

From as early as 6 a.m. on the day of the incident, residents said the two were heard arguing. A few hours later the youngster was found suffering from stab wounds and had to be rushed to hospital.

Inspector Paul Matthews of the Area One police, said statements from residents and the injured boy suggests that the two were involved.

The police report stated that the two were at home when an argument, which lasted for an extended period of time, developed. The boy reportedly tried to escape the argument by going outside and sitting on a bench where he fell asleep.

Further reports are that a piece of rope was used to tie his hands and feet and he was beaten and stabbed at least four times. The injured youngster was found by a friend who had come to visit him.

Other residents as well as the police were alerted and the boy taken to hospital where he is still receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, the police say they are in search of the woman whom has not returned to the community since the incident.

"We definitely have an interest in the woman and we are searching for her ... Once caught she will be charged," Inspector Matthews told THE WEEKEND STAR.