Boy, 17, chased and stabbed repeatedly inside youth centre in Forest Gate

Cllr Rokhsana Fiaz is the Mayor of Newham. Pic: Rokhsana Fiaz (Image: Rokhsana Fiaz)

The 17-year-old victim was with friends outside Forest Gate Youth Zone in Woodgrange Road, at around 5.30pm when his attackers, who were riding pushbikes, pulled up and chased him.

He ran into the centre where he was knifed several times before five youth workers fought off his attackers and they fled the scene.

The boy was rushed to hospital where his injuries are not non-life threatening.

Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz has released a statement following the incident.

She said: “Staff and youngsters at the Forest Gate youth hub have clearly been left traumatised by the event, and are being given assistance and counselling by Newham Council. The centre will remain closed until further notice.

“I am appalled by this violent assault on a young man in our borough, however I cannot commend highly enough the staff of the youth hub for their selfless and brave intervention.

“Our youth workers put their lives on the line to go to the aid of this young man who had sought refuge in our youth zone. This underlines how critical it is for our young people to have a place of safety to rely on.

“I visited the Forest Gate centre last night to thank staff personally and offer reassurance to the young people who witnessed this horrible event, that this council is determined to be there for them.

“I have talked to many of our young people and they rightly regard our youth zones as a place to seek help and refuge. The actions of our staff illustrate the commitment to our young people that we are determined to create safe spaces where they can live their lives safely, achieve potential and live in peace.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting CAD 5994/12Oct or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.