Three people have been arrested in connection with the near-fatal stabbing of a teacher during a musical by group 8 primary school children at a cultural centre in Alblasserdam, Zuid Holland on Wednesday night.

The 58-year-old teacher from Dordrecht, who remains in hospital in a serious condition, is thought to have tried to break up a fight between three men which broke out during the performance, police said.  It is not known what the fight was about.

At least one of the men tried to flee the scene but was caught following a helicopter search.

One parent who was present said the teacher is “a very nice man who was trying to do the right thing” while another said the fight between the parents was of long standing.

According to police the stabbing was witnessed by many children and parents. They are receiving victim support.