An Oshawa high school was briefly placed in a hold and secure state after a student was slashed outside the school Thursday, police say.

The incident happened at around 11 a.m. outside Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School at Rossland and Stevenson roads.

According to Durham Regional Police, some kind of altercation unfolded on the school's driveway located on Stevenson Road North. They believe a blue van pulled alongside a 17-year-old male student as he walked toward the school and an occupant of the vehicle attacked him with a knife.

The victim then entered the school suffering from knife wounds to his side and was transported to a local hospital. Police said he was conscious and breathing following the incident.

Police have not said what led to the confrontation but indicated that they do not believe the incident was a random attack.

The hold and secure was lifted around noon.

Anyone with information pertaining to the investigation is being asked to call Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1832 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).