A 17-year-old boy is still fighting for his life two days after a double stabbing on Old Kent Road, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed. He was knifed outside the Cantium Retail Park just before 10.45pm on Wednesday, prompting a major investigation overnight.
A second 17-year-old boy was also stabbed but he has since been discharged from hospital, the force added. Officers arrested a third teenager, also aged 17, on suspicion of attempted murder following a pursuit near the busy A-road the same night.
He has now been released on bail pending further enquiries. The shocking incident marks London’s second multi-victim stabbing in as many days.
A large emergency response was pictured outside Asda and McDonald’s, with a cordon still in place into Thursday afternoon. A section of garden on the opposite side of the road was also blocked off.
Those living close to the scene have been told to expect a increased police presence over the coming days, and have been asked to avoid the area if possible. Residents told MyLondon they are growing increasingly concerned by knife crime in the capital.
Nana, a pensioner who has lived in Bermondsey for 25 years, believes South East London has become a particular hotspot. The 70-year-old added: “It’s been [stabbings] so frequent and sometimes I feel scared, anything can happen walking [around here].
“Now I see this, it frightens me. It happens almost everywhere and I hear it on the news almost everyday, quite frankly I feel frightened.”
Maria, a supervisor living near Old Kent Road, is concerned for her own children’s safety at times, saying: “I feel safe living here and I’m an adult woman but for my kids it’s a bit different. I sometimes worry for them and I call them every now and then to make sure they feel safe.
“They feel okay because they don’t get into trouble but sometimes you don’t look for trouble, trouble finds you.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 22.47hrs on Wednesday, 27 August to reports of a stabbing on Old Kent Road. Two boys, both aged 17, were found at the scene with stab wounds. One remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition.
“The second was taken to hospital where his injuries were deemed not life-changing or threatening. He has since been discharged.
“Following a short pursuit a 17-year-old boy was arrested by officers on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 8387/27AUG. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.
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