Fear of gang reprisals after five stabbings in Hackney within just 24 hours

More police officers have been drafted onto Hackney’s streets to prevent gang reprisals, after five stabbings within 24 hours.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after two teenagers were stabbed in Atherden Road, Lower Clapton on Tuesday May 22 at 5pm.

Two youths, aged 18 years and 19 years, were taken to an east London hospital where their conditions remain stable.

Police are also investigating another stabbing in Amhurst Road, near the junction of Rectory Road in Stoke Newington on the same night at around 8pm.

Two youths aged 16 and 18, were taken to an east London hospital by ambulance crews, and a police spokesman described their conditions as “stable”.

Both incidents are being investigated separately.

Meanwhile Monday night police were called to Phillipp Street in Hoxton at around 9.40pm.

A 17-year old who had been stabbed was taken to hospital for treatment but his condition is not believed to be serious.

Now a Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act has been placed across certain areas of the borough to prevent the carrying of weapons and possible gang reprisals.

Borough Commander Matthew Horne said: “The increased police presence is to provide reassurance to Hackney residents, but also to enforce the law by arresting those gang members who show a complete disregard for the safety of others and the communities in which they reside.”