Police have arrested 12 teens after a gang of youths launched a horrifying knife attack in east London after crashing a school birthday party.
The Metropolitan Police arrested the dozen aged between 12 and 17 after the incident at Elm Park primary school in Hornchurch, east London, last Saturday.
Two teens were rushed to hospital with stabbing injuries, which are not said to be life-changing, while four police officers were also injured in the aftermath of the incident.
A shocking video shows 50 to 70 youths carrying knives into the hall, which was being rented for a birthday party, with guests fleeing for their lives.
Neighbours are said to have woken up to find knives scattered in their gardens.
One neighbour told the Havering Daily: “It was total chaos. We saw between 40 to 50 youths, running through the streets.
“We think they had knives as they were seen dropping weapons in people's driveways and running away.”
Read also: Two teenagers stabbed after dozens of youths storm school hall birthday party in east London
According to locals, the catalyst had been one young female sharing details of the location on social media, which mobilised teenage boys from nearby Harold Hill and Hackney, 15 miles away.
The gang travelled between Elm Park, Dagenham and Barking last Saturday (March 22) evening and are said to have offended between 7pm and midnight.
“There was an incident of violent disorder after a large group attended a private event at Elm Park primary school, some armed with weapons, and assaulted and robbed members of the public,” the Met said.
The 12 were arrested in connection to this incident for various offences including possession of an offensive weapon and assault on an emergency services worker.
There have not yet been any charges.
“The violence seen on Saturday evening has no place in our society and it will not be tolerated,” a statement added.
“We will work with our colleagues from the British Transport Police, our partners in Havering, Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham councils as well as the local community to ensure those responsible are held to account for their actions.”
The force is now appealing for any victims or witnesses to share their testimony.
If you have any information, contact Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111 and quote PMP/8249/25.
