In a harrowing incident in East London, a woman and two young children were left battling for their lives after a brutal stabbing. The violent attack took place in Dagenham around 5.30pm, with emergency services descending on First Avenue following reports of the stabbing.
A woman in her 30s alongside two children—a girl estimated to be eight years old and a boy only two—were discovered with serious stab wounds. All three were swiftly taken to hospital, where the woman and the toddler’s states are crucial, although the girl is thought to be in less danger.
Images from the scene showcase a massive turnout of emergency responders including at least eight police vehicles, crowding the residential area. Additional support came from London’s Air Ambulance which dispatched a rapid response vehicle, reports the Mirror.
In the wake of the attack, Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrest of a man on suspicion of attempted murder; he, too, has been hospitalised due to an unspecified ailment. The statement from the force read, “Police were called at approximately 17:35hrs on Friday, 25 October to reports of three people injured in First Avenue, Dagenham. Officers, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.”
“A woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, and two children, a girl believed aged eight and a boy believed aged two, were found suffering stab injuries – they have been taken to hospital for treatment. We await a condition update for the woman and the two year old boy.The eight year old girl’s injuries are not life threatening.”
“A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He was also taken to hospital after being taken unwell. After being assessed he has been discharged into police custody.Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, responsible for policing in Barking and Dagenham, said: ” Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, responsible for policing in Barking and Dagenham, said: “This is a truly shocking attack and I want to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we deal with this incident. At this early stage, we believe those involved were known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”
“A crime scene will remain in place for some time while our officers carry out vital work and you will see an increased policing presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns or information that could assist police then please speak to an officer or call police on 101.”
A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service stated: “We were called at 5:35pm today (Friday 25 October) to reports of an incident in First Avenue, Dagenham. We sent a number of resources to the scene including four ambulance crews, medics in fast response cars and advanced paramedics. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.”
“We treated four people at the scene. We took one person to hospital and three to a major trauma centre as a priority”The area surrounding First Avenue remains cordoned off as a crime scene while detectives conduct further investigations. The Metropolitan Police have launched an enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the attack, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The community is also being urged to stay vigilant as police continue their efforts to piece together the tragic events. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD5931/25Oct.
You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
