Enfield stabbing: Man knifed to death by gang in ski masks in front of terrified children

A man was stabbed and killed by a gang wearing ski-masks in front of terrified children, neighbours said.

The victim in his 40s was chased and stabbed before collapsing in a pool of blood in Exeter Road, Enfield, as dozens of children played in a nearby park.

The attackers were spotted fleeing through a wooded area as they shed their bloodied clothes and attempted to escape through Brimsdown Primary School’s playing fields, eyewitnesses said.

Paramedics fought to save the life of the man for over 45 minutes but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 2.15pm on Saturday.

It came hours before a 17-year-old cyclist was reportedly hacked to death by masked youths armed with machetes in Enfield.

An 18-year-old located nearby, also suffering knife wounds, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the attack in Enfield.

Hannah Faulkner, 33, who witnessed it, said: “The ambulance came and everyone was trying to help the poor man, they gave him CPR and oxygen but it wasn’t enough.

“We are all so sad about it. The gang were wearing masks so no one could recognise them.

“I can’t leave my children to play around like they used to, it’s not safe anymore.

“Now we’re all too scared to come out of our houses. They don’t have any CCTV cameras around and the police came round asking for footage.”

Her son added: “They were wearing ski masks so you could only see their eyes - they looked like ninjas.”

Two men, aged 18 and 21, and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

They are still being held by police for questioning.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3985 or via 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.