A teenager has been charged after an 18-year-old was allegedly stabbed and left fighting for life.

NSW Police allege the 18-year-old was stabbed near a shopping centre on the Pacific Highway at San Remo, on the NSW Central Coast, on Monday afternoon.

He was then taken to Lemon Gum Circuit, in Blue Haven, where he was found by emergency services at 3.45pm.

The 18-year-old was treated at the scene before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

A knife was seized from a property in San Remo.

Officers arrested a 15-year-old boy on Sally Close in Lake Haven at 9.30pm.

He was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The 15-year-old was refused bail and will appear at a children’s court on Tuesday. 

The 18-year-old was then taken to Lemon Gum Circuit, in Blue Haven, where he was found by emergency services at 3.45pm on Monday