Armed police descended on the Poplar area this evening following shocking reports of four men fighting with knives and machetes near Penny Fields Park and East India Dock Road.
Footage shared with UK News in Pictures shows a chaotic scene, with men hacking at each other in the street as stunned residents looked on. One eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said:
“They were going at each other like they didn’t have a care in the world. Swinging machetes, chasing each other—it was terrifying to watch. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Ongoing Police Response
Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to the scene after multiple emergency calls reported a group of men armed with bladed weapons in the area. Armed response units were deployed due to the nature of the weapons involved.
As of Thursday evening, it remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or how many people, if any, have been injured in the incident.
The London Ambulance Service has also been contacted for further details regarding medical response at the scene.
Community in Shock
Residents have expressed concern over rising violence in the area, particularly incidents involving large knives or machetes. The footage of the altercation has since gone viral, prompting renewed calls for increased patrols and knife crime prevention measures in the borough.
A police cordon is expected to remain in place around the park and East India Dock Road while investigations continue.
