26 October 2024 , 10:00
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A woman and two young children were stabbed in a "shocking attack" in East London this evening and are fighting for their lives in hospital.
Police were called to First Avenue in Dagenham at around 5:30pm, where a woman, thought to be in her 30s, and two children - a girl believed to be aged eight and a boy believed aged two - were found suffering stab injuries. All three victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Officers await updates on the condition of the woman and two-year-old boy, while the girl’s injuries are being described as not life threatening. Aariel images from the scene captured a huge emergency services response, with at least eight police cars lining up and down the residential street. A rapid response vehicle was also reportedly deployed by London’s Air Ambulance.
The Metropolitan Police said a man had been arrested on suspicion of murder, and was also taken to hospital after being taken unwell. He was later discharged and is now in police custody, the force added.
In a statement, the force said: "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: “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.”
Police were called to First Avenue in Dagenham, East London ( Image: Yedis Drone Shots)
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "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 told to stay vigilant as police continue their efforts to piece together the tragic events.