One teen dead, another critical as up to 100 fight with 'machetes' in Bow
Met bring in stop and search powers to prevent reprisals
Last updated 4th Sep 2022
A murder investigation is starting following the stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in Tower Hamlets.
A second teenager, an 18-year-old man, remains critically ill in hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who's leading the investigation, said: “This is a highly worrying incident that has left one young man dead and another fighting for his life in hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this difficult time.
“I also want to reassure them and the wider community that my team and I are working around the clock to establish exactly what has happened and who is responsible. I would ask anyone who witnessed this incident or may have information that could help our investigation to please get in touch with us and share what you know.
On Saturday night, the police reported that "over one hundred persons" had been fighting, "armed with 'machetes'", in an incident they thought had originated from "a number of uninvited persons attending a party." They explained that one person had received a life threatening stab wound to the neck and had been receiving CPR, while another had suffered a severe head injury.
Giving an update on Sunday lunchtime, DCI Rogers said “I am aware of reports saying that about a hundred people, armed with weapons were involved. While I would stress that our investigation is in its very early stages, this information does not appear to be wholly accurate. We know a significant number of people were caught up in this incident but not necessarily directly involved or armed with weapons.”
The police were called at around ten past midnight to on Sunday, 4 September to reports of the disturbance on Lichfield Road, E3.
Medics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.
Both of the injured people were taken to an east London hospital.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the 17 year old was pronounced dead just before 2am.
His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
An investigation is under way but at this early stage, no arrests have been made.
Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has captured footage or images, is being asked to call the Major Incident Room on 0208 345 3715, giving the reference Operation Wildcast.
The Met activated Section 60 stop and search powers overnight, as they believed people with weapons were still around, and they were "concerned that local gangs or fellow party goers may be looking for revenge".