A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after being stabbed Friday afternoon at a handball court at Hempstead High School.

Police say the teen and two other young males were playing handball around 3:30 p.m. when eight Hispanic men in their teens and early 20s came out of the nearby woods and ran onto the court. Police say the men ordered the boys against the wall and pulled a knife. The teen was stabbed in the stomach or the chest.

Police aren't repeating the exact words exchanged between the two groups, but village officials say the suspects are likely gang members.

Authorities say robbery was the motive and that the eight individuals fled on foot. They say the investigation is ongoing.

Hempstead Village Mayor Wayne Hall says he will be calling for increased police patrols in and around the school and says his prayers go out to the boy?s family.