Cops arrest 12 teens after ‘knife-wielding gang stormed primary school party & launched attack’ sending kids screaming
TWELVE teenagers have been arrested after a “knife-wielding gang of youths horrifically attacked a group of partygoers” at a primary school.
Violent disorder broke out at the private event at Elm Park Primary School in Hornchurch, east London, on the evening of Saturday, March 22.
Metropolitan Police has now arrested a dozen teenagers, aged between twelve and seventeen, following the horrific attack.
The violence saw two teenagers rushed to hospital with stab wounds, although these injuries were said to not be life-changing.
Four police officers were also injured in the chaotic aftermath of the incident, cops said.
Footage shows kids screaming and running away as the knife-wielding gang launched their violent attack.
Some estimate that as many as 50 youths were seen carrying knives into the hall, which had been rented out for a birthday party.
One neighbour told 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.”
Stunned bystanders watched on as the horror unfolded, with the cameraman then turning around and running out of the building as the chaos escalates.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “On the evening of Saturday, 22 March 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.
“This incident is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service, with the assistance of the British Transport Police.
“At this time, 12 people have been arrested, aged between 12 and 17, in connection to this incident for various offences including possession of an offensive weapon and assault on an emergency services worker.”
The force confirmed that there have not been any charges at this time.
Metropolitan Police is now making an appeal for witnesses and those caught up in the violence to come forward.
The spokesperson for the force added: “We are now making an appeal to anyone with information as to the identities of any other people involved in this incident to come forward.
“The violence seen on Saturday evening has no place in our society and it will not be tolerated.
“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.”
If you believe you know anyone involved in this incident, police advise you to report it directly and anonymously through the Crimestoppers website or by calling 0800 555 111, quoting reference PMP/8249/25.
Cops are also appealing for any photos or videos of the attack, and these can be submitted through the same methods with Crimestoppers.
The Met added it was making a direct appeal to any victims of crime as part of the horrific incident.
Cops believe the gang travelled between Elm Park, Dagenham, and Barking using both trains and buses.
If you were a victim of crime between 7pm and midnight on Saturday, March 22, contact Crimestoppers or the force on 101, quoting OP ESTRAGON.