Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a market stall holder was stabbed and left in a critical condition in Upton Park on Sunday.
Newham CID are investigating the assault in Queen’s Market, Green Street, which took place during a scuffle over a mobile phone product.
Police believe the man, 29, who runs a mobile phone stall, was assaulted by three teenage boys he suspected of stealing an item from the stall.
They believe the man was stabbed during a struggle which ensued after he confronted them.
A 16-year-old boy and two 14-year-old boys were arrested later that afternoon and remain in custody at an east London police station.
Police were called at 2.50pm on Sunday to the scene of the stabbing, which was then attended by two London Ambulance service single responders and a duty officer.
The LAS said the victim was in cardiac arrest when they found him, and was taken to an east London hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
The market area was cordoned off on Sunday as police investigated the scene.
Detective sergeant John Kirby said: “I need to hear from anyone who was near to the scene of the incident or who witnessed a group of three males acting suspiciously in the Green Street area on Sunday afternoon.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call Newham police on 020 8217 5253.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here