This is the shocking moment a parent is stabbed in front of screaming primary school children on the way home in east London.
The headteacher of Old Palace Primary School in Bow, east London has asked police for heightened patrols around dropping off and picking up time after a string of incidents involving parents.
In shocking footage shot at 3.30pm on Friday, two men wrestle to the floor outside the school gates with one man appearing to be armed with a screwdriver landing heavy blows.
One parent tries to break up the fight shouting: “There’s children around.”
A father suffered puncture wounds as others tried to drag the attacker off him.
His injuries were later assessed as non life-threatening, police said.
The stabbing came on World Smile Day for the pupils where the children were supposed to demonstrate “a random act of kindness” to the school community.
Scotland Yard said a 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to a date in early November.
In a letter home, headteacher Gary Palmer wrote: “I struggle to comprehend how anyone would wish to carry out such an act in front of children. Following the incident the police have carried out an investigation.
“The latest information I have received is that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and that the victim is intending to press charges.”
He added: “I am conscious that despite attempts by school staff to usher parents towards Bromley High Street, some pupils did witness the attack.
“To address the potential impact this may have on the children’s mental health, we will be holding special assemblies on Monday morning. Teachers have also been advised on the signs of emotional distress and asked to look out for these.”
In a previous letter home he highlighted a string of incidents, including one parent acting “very threateningly towards staff” and another man flashing pictures of his daughter who had been “taken away from him” .
Mr Palmer wrote: “It is unfortunate that I am having to write about these incidents on national Smile Day, which promotes random acts of kindness.”
A Met spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of three men fighting on St Leonard’s Street, E3.
“Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a man- no further details- with puncture wounds. His injuries were assessed as not life threatening.”
Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information about what happened is asked to call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting reference 4692/07Oct. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
