20 February 2024 , 16:19
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A man was reportedly stabbed in the back inside a Romford shopping centre.
A cordon is in place after the attack at The Brewery - a large shopping centre and cinema complex in the centre of the town - with store officials confirming there had been a serious incident just before 1pm today.
Shoppers in a number of nearby stores were evacuated as the London Ambulance took a man to a hospital after he sustained a knife wound to his back. The full extent of his condition is currently unknown.
A shop owner whose store is close to the complex recalled seeing people rushing back and forth. "It was very shocking", he told the Romford Recorder.
Another witness said she and her 10-year-old were watching a movie in the cinema when a man approached them and told them to leave via the emergency exit, which panicked her youngster. Eyewitnesses added they saw and air ambulance circling over the town and landing near Romford market.
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"We've just been evacuated and been told go home ASAP as whoever done it is still in Romford chasing someone else", one person shared.
According to the Met Police, a crime scene has been declared at the Brewery after officers were called to reports of an injured man at around 12.53pm today.
A witness told officers they saw a man with a knife injury on his back. After the area was searched, the victim was rushed to a hospital in east London. An update on his condition is expected soon.
Police say they believe the stabbing may have taken place inside the Brewery stairwell. An investigation has been launched to track the culprit down.
Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is being asked to contact the police on 101, quoting reference 3260/20FEB.