A police officer was stabbed in the stomach as he confronted a gang of at least six teenagers, including three girls, in east London, it was revealed today.
Witnesses told how the unarmed officer tried to intervene after being called to reports of anti-social behaviour near Grove Road in Bow.
A boy aged 16 was being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder today after being arrested after the incident last night. A knife was recovered form the scene.
Residents said that male and female voices could be heard hurling abuse at each other in a car park near Bunsen House throughout the evening.
An eyewitness, 37, said: “There was loud arguing between a group which included three girls and three boys, there was a scooter there as well.
“I rang the police, then as I was looking out my window I saw that an officer had been stabbed. He was walking but was obviously in pain. It looked like he had been stabbed in the chest and leg.
“He made it to a police car and sat inside then paramedics came. He was fully conscious but it was obvious it was serious.
“The group were teenagers and looked Asian I think. I have never seen them before. We are in total shock and the poor policeman did his best to stay on his feet and stayed in control despite his difficulties.
“He was very brave and luckily made it to safety. He did not speak but managed to slump into the car.”
City worker Claire Penfold, 26, said: “I could hear shouting at around 10pm I could hear male and female voices. They seemed pretty angry but I could not make out exactly what they were saying but there was a lot of swearing. There were also scooters going all evening.
“The next thing I knew there were police everywhere and they were knocking on my door to ask if I knew anything. It’s a real shock for everyone around here.”
Thomas Penfold, 62, said: “There was rowing through the evening, it was pretty angry stuff but I did not think anything of it as we have had problems with anti-social behaviour so I don’t think anything of it. Then I looked out and there were about 40 officers on the scene, it was like something out of a film.
“We just hope the officer is OK, they do a good job the police.”
Scotland Yard said the police constable from Tower Hamlets was taken to hospital with “a serious stab injury to the abdomen”, after the incident at around 11.30pm.
The force added that there is not believed to be any link to extremism or terrorism.
His condition is not life threatening and his condition is said to be serious but stable.
Anyone who has information should call 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
