A man is fighting for his life as four were stabbed in two separate knife attacks just a week after another four were knifed in a family-friendly pub in north-east London.
A man was found with multiple knife injuries in a “stolen” car in Queensland Close in Walthamstow at 3.44pm on Wednesday.
Officers believe he was attacked elsewhere and are still working to establish his identity.
An MP giving an update to residents said the man was found “in a stolen car and in possession of a large quantity of cannabis”. He was taken to hospital before later being arrested in connection with the above offences.
At 6pm police were called to Brandon Road, just over a mile away, after reports another man had been knifed.
A man in his 30s was found with stab injuries, and was taken to hospital. His condition has been described as critical.
Two other men - both aged 18 - were also found with stab injuries.
Scotland Yard confirmed they were taken to hospital, and also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Police say there is no evidence the stabbings were linked.
A Facebook post shared by Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy, said: “Both of these incidents occurred in locality to The Duke Public House, which was last week the scene of a machete attack in which four males were injured.
“Police recognise the concern and alarm the wider public may feel about these incidents. Although enquiries continue into each, police retain an open mind about motive and at this stage there is nothing to suggest these incidents are linked nor is there cause for further alarm from the general public.
“Enhanced patrols will continue across the weekend and local members of the public are encouraged to engage with our colleagues, who are there to reassure communities as well as disrupt further violence.”
She also called on residents to stop “commentary and speculation” after “serious violence” in the area.
Please be aware of an incident in the Wood Street area between Brandon Road and Woodlands Road. Emergency services are on the scene, please avoid the area if possible. pic.twitter.com/7PDat21aBB
— Waltham Forest Council (@wfcouncil) February 22, 2023
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, responsible for local policing in north-east London, said: “I recognise the significant concern this incident has caused, particularly following a number of similar incidents over recent days, and we are taking significant steps to increase our local policing presence in the area. We are working with partners and our community to do all we can to prevent further violence.
“Local officers, who know the community, will be on patrol in the area. These are your officers, please speak to them about any concerns you have. Our detectives are also supporting the family of the man who remains seriously ill in hospital.
“Our relentless efforts to tackle serious violence has led to an almost a 20 per cent reduction in knife crime offences in Waltham Forest over the past 12 months, however these recent incidents are a stark reminder that we can’t be complacent and I assure you that we will continue to take action to remove dangerous criminals from the streets.”
The incident happened just minutes from where four men were stabbed a week ago in a separate knife attack, which saw three victims found injured inside a Wood Street pub.
