A man in his 50s is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in broad daylight in Leyton, prompting fear and frustration among local residents who say such violence has become far too common.
The incident occurred around 3.30pm on Monday, April 14, near Leyton Fire Station, at the junction of Church Road and Oliver Road. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, responded swiftly to the scene.
Police confirmed the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, but he remains in hospital undergoing treatment. No arrests have been made, and enquiries are ongoing.
“People Are Scared”
Local shopkeeper Kumar, whose business is just yards from the police cordon, said the stabbing has left many in the community feeling vulnerable.
“People are scared. I am also sometimes scared, when these kind of things happen. These kind of things – stabbings – are normal in this area.”
Another resident, described the constant anxiety she feels about her 18-year-old son’s safety.
“If he is not home at the time he says, I am straight on the phone – ‘Where are you?’ Because nobody is going to be knocking my door [with bad news]. It is getting from bad to worse.”
They criticised the lack of youth services, pointing to the closure of local facilities as a root cause of increased violence.
“They have closed down all these facilities for these children. So that is what they do. They cause problems… What have they put in there for these children to go and release their frustration? Nothing.”
Police Investigation Continues
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed:
“On Monday, 14 April, police were called at 15:29hrs to Church Road, Leyton, following reports of a stabbing.
“Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated a man in his 50s for stab wounds before taking him to hospital.
“At this early stage, there have been no arrests. A crime scene was put in place and road closures were enforced until around 7.45pm. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Emergency Response
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
“We were called at 3.27pm to reports of a stabbing at the junction of Church Road and Oliver Road, Leyton.
“We treated a man at the scene and took him to a major trauma centre.”
Community Concerns Rise
The stabbing has once again placed focus on rising street violence in East London, with residents calling for greater investment in community services and more visible policing.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 4353/14APR.
