grounds, it emerged yesterday.

College president George Cook said an investigation pointed to a clash between rival groups.

It is also believed the groups fought among themselves after being stopped from entering a Bermuda College party.

"We've had a report on what took place and are satisfied our College students were not involved,'' said Dr. Cook.

Dr. Cook said the College also planned to meet neighbours following complaints about noise from the Good Friday party.

"We will discuss what can be done to resolve the problem.'' A 19-year-old Southampton man needed hospital treatment for stab wounds after violence flared outside Stonington campus.

Police later went to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's emergency ward following complaints a large crowd had gathered.

Officers reportedly restored calm after youths confronted hospital staff.

Yesterday the hospital's communications specialist Kendaree Burgess-Fairn said the incident "did not appear to have been a major one''.

"According to a security report, two men entered the hospital -- one of them the victim -- and went to the emergency department.

"Then I think some relatives of the victim showed up and they became abusive.

Police were called to handle the matter.'' Mrs. Burgess-Fairn said a small crowd gathered in the hospital lobby.

"Most of them were sitting around and talking, but were not riotous. I think Policemen then spoke to the crowd which left after a few minutes.'' Mrs. Burgess-Fairn said the stabbing victim was detained overnight in hospital and then released.

Dr. Cook said the Good Friday party had been held by the Bermuda College Fashion Club to raise funds for a show.

Clash between gangs linked to stabbing at College Hordes of "outsiders'' then tried to gate-crash the party as it was ending.

"They were not allowed to enter. It seems there were rival groups who had had a previous altercation among themselves,'' said Dr. Cook.

Dr. Cook said the stabbing apparently took place near the main road, although still on Bermuda College property.

The incident was not captured on the College's 24-hour security camera system, he added.

"It was too far away, down at the northern end of the field.'' Dr. Cook said the stabbing had prompted a review of security procedures.

"We are obviously looking at what took place. One problem is that of dispersal after a party.

"This particular party was in fact over and young people were just hanging around.

"This creates problems with neighbours who complained about the noise. We are meeting with neighbours to discuss the problem with them.'' BERMUDA COLLEGE EDC