Advertisement

Camberwell stabbings: Witnesses describe 'traumatising' aftermath as four teenagers are knifed in south London

A teenager was heard screaming for help as four young men were stabbed in horrifying scenes on a south London housing estate, witnesses have said.

Residents of the Elmington Estate in Camberwell told how they saw a boy running away clutching his stomach before collapsing onto the floor amid the chaos on Thursday evening.

Four teenage boys, aged between 15 and 16, were rushed to hospital after being found suffering knife wounds near playing fields outside Landor House shortly before 5.30pm.

Six others of the same age range were arrested at the scene, which is just a short walk from where 23-year-old drill rapper Sidique Kamara was stabbed to death on August 1.

Crime scene: Police tape off the street outside Landor House in Camberwell (PA)
Crime scene: Police tape off the street outside Landor House in Camberwell (PA)

Witnesses described seeing the “traumatising” aftermath of the latest incident, with one saying a boy was heard screaming “help, help” as police arrived at the estate.

"Ten minutes before the stabbing I saw a whole heap of youths run down that way," said one man, who asked not to be named, pointing towards the crime scene.

"Then 10 minutes later I heard people shouting and bawling out the back there. When I looked round the back there, I saw the youth come running from the block.

"He came to the corner and dropped."

Camberwell stabbings: Forensics officers inspect the area (PA)
Camberwell stabbings: Forensics officers inspect the area (PA)

Another neighbour, who did not give her name, described seeing boys running on the grass opposite her flat shortly before the stabbings occurred.

"There were four or five black boys running. All of a sudden I could hear, 'Help, help'," she said. "I have walked up and as I did I have seen the police running.

"One of the police officers got a first aid bag and I saw one of the boys lying on the floor."

Of the victims, one remains fighting for life in hospital and another is in a serious but stable condition.

The remaining two did not suffer serious knife injuries, Scotland Yard said on Friday morning.

Police guard the scene following the stabbings (PA)
Police guard the scene following the stabbings (PA)

"That particular one, I hope he does live but by the looks of it and the way the ambulance had to struggle I would give it just an 8 per cent [chance of survival]," said a 25-year-old woman, who wished not to be named.

Harriet Harman, MP for Camberwell and Peckham, said she was very concerned by the quadruple stabbing and is in contact with police and councillors.

Witnesses described a large police presence minutes after the incident as officers and medics from the London Ambulance Service arrived on the scene.

The stabbings occurred just a short walk from where drill rapper Sidique Kamara, pictured, was stabbed to death on August 1 (PA)
The stabbings occurred just a short walk from where drill rapper Sidique Kamara, pictured, was stabbed to death on August 1 (PA)

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "A crime scene is in place and officers remain at the scene.

"Detectives from Southwark investigate supported by the Territorial Support Group and Violent Crime Taskforce who are visible in the area to provide reassurance and ensure that no further incidents occur."

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call Southwark CID by dialling 101 and quoting reference CAD 5391/16 AUG.

Alternatively, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.