LUCEA, Hanover - Three men who yesterday stabbed a Rusea's High School student before robbing him of his cellular phone and an undisclosed sum of money were held by the police, with the assistance of fishermen, after they jumped into the sea in their bid to escape.

Police said a grade nine student, who was late for school where Jamaica Day celebrations had already started, was taking a 'shortcut' to the school compound when he was attacked by the three men armed with knives.

The accused men, the police reported, demanded the student's cellular phone, and when their demand was not met they beat and stabbed him on the right arm. The men then robbed the boy of his cellphone and wallet. The amount of money in the wallet was not ascertained.

An alarm was raised by the injured student, after which a group of people chased the men who ran in the direction of the sea.

The thieves jumped into the water but were later brought back to shore by members of the Lucea Police Division, with the assistance of fishermen who had a boat located nearby.

The Rusea's High School principal yesterday lauded the police and others for their swift action which led to the apprehension of the three men.

"We are very grateful for the quick response from police and persons who cordoned off the area where the perpetrators jumped in the sea," said Principal June Thompson. "I think this will put a damper on criminal activities which are rampant in the vicinity of the school premises."

Thompson told the Observer that just this Thursday a grade 11 male student was held up and robbed of his cellphone and $3,000 cash at the school gate.

The cash was given to the boy by his mother to pay bills on his way home from school.