Fifth knife attack in area hit by spate of linked stabbings

A fifth person has been stabbed in an area where police are already investigating a series of random knife attacks.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police said work was continuing to find out if the latest attack was linked, as they arrested a man in his 30s in Edmonton Green, north London on suspicion of GBH.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was left with life-threatening injuries when he was stabbed in Fairfield Road, Enfield, north London at around 5am on Tuesday, just yards from a separate attack at the weekend.

Police have said the latest incident has “not yet been formally linked” to a series of knife attacks in the area, but the culprit in all five is a tall, skinny black man wearing a hooded top.

Two men who were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm remain in custody, and investigators have until later on Tuesday to interview them.

Detective Superintendent 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.

“You will see additional uniformed patrols in the Edmonton area; if you have any concerns, please speak with my officers immediately.”

The Times reported that local schools had banned children from leaving the grounds during their break time as a safety measure.

The latest stabbing follows attacks on four people in the Edmonton area of Enfield over the weekend, that left two critically hurt and one with potentially life-changing injuries.

Police believe that a single male suspect who may have mental health issues was acting alone in the attacks, and there is nothing to suggest they are terror-related.

The suspect is described as a skinny black man, approximately 6ft 3ins who was wearing dark clothes.

At the weekend a 45-year-old woman was the first victim when she was stabbed once in her back at about 7pm on Saturday in Aberdeen Road, and left in a critical condition.

Then at 12.15am police were called to Park Avenue where a 52-year-old man had also been injured with a knife.

He has since been discharged from hospital.

The third attack was on a 23-year-old man just before 4am near Seven Sisters Tube station.

He is in a critical but stable condition.

The final attack occurred at about 9.40am on Sunday in Brettenham Road where officers found a 29-year-old man with a stab injury to the back.

His injuries are potentially life-changing but not life-threatening.