Edmonton stabbings: Fifth attack in ‘random stabbings’ area

Police at the latest attack scene Image copyright PA
Image caption There have been five stab attacks in the area in the last week

A man has been stabbed in the same area where four people were attacked in north London at the weekend.

The Met Police said the man, in his 30s, was in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

The latest attack happened at 05:00 BST on Tuesday on Fairfield Road. The victim then walked to Aberdeen Road, where the first stab attack happened.

A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm over the latest attack.

Police said the attacks have not been formally linked but the description of the knifeman is similar.

The victim is said to have been walking with a friend when he was attacked. He then made his way to Aberdeen Road, where he was found by police officers.

The other person was not injured.

Over a period of 10 hours at the weekend, a woman and three men were attacked in what police described as a spate of "cowardly and senseless" attacks.

They were all approached from behind and knifed as they walked alone in Edmonton. They were apparently selected at random, police said.

The first victim, a 45-year-old woman, remains in a critical condition after she was attacked in Aberdeen Road at 19:02 GMT on Saturday.

Four hours later, a 52-year-old man was stabbed half a mile away in Park Avenue. He has since been discharged from hospital.

The next victim, a 23-year-old man, is in a critical condition after being attacked near Seven Sisters Tube station at about 04:00 BST on Sunday.

The final stabbing happened at 09:42 in Brettenham Road where a 29-year-old man was attacked. He is receiving medical treatment but his injuries are not life-threatening.

Police have been given extra time to question two men who were previously arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Image copyright PA
Image caption Police said each victim appeared to be "selected at random" for being "alone and vulnerable"

Det Supt Luke Marks said: "I am aware that events from the weekend have caused a huge amount of worry and concern among the community, and that this incident will cause further alarm.

"While at this stage the incident has not yet been formally linked, the location and manner of this attack will be of concern to the public.

"Our advice continues that that public to remain vigilant, and to contact police regarding anyone acting suspiciously."

Extra officers will be on patrol, he said.

'Really scary'

Mike Kalongi, 28, who lives nearby, said: "I usually go to the gym at night, but over the last few days I decided not to.

"I'm going shopping. I usually have my headphones on but I want to stay aware and try not to be a victim.

"It's scary. It's really scary."

Connor McCoy, 21, who also lives nearby, said he presumed it was a follow-on from what happened at the weekend.

He added that he still felt safe in the area, but said: "I just hope that the slightly more defenceless people can feel safe living in this street.

"I hope that something happens, something to deal with knife crime."