'Scared' locals fear gang violence as man, 23, stabbed in East Croydon
'Scared' locals have reacted to the stabbing of a 23-year-old man in East Croydon this afternoon (Tuesday, October 1) saying they believe it is gang-related violence. The man was stabbed, reportedly in the neck locals say, just before 2pm on George Street.
The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene at 1.53pm and were there in minutes. They treated the man at the scene before rushing him to a major trauma centre "as a priority".
Police are awaiting an update on his condition as pools of blood sit inside George Street Express corner shop inside the cordon as seen in pictures sent to MyLondon. No arrests have been made yet as police make enquiries.
READ MORE: Man in hospital after stabbing in Croydon near station
Azad, who works in Mithras Turkish restaurant across the road on George Street, said he believes the stabbing is gang-related. He told MyLondon: "It's gang-related 100 per cent. They've got to find a solution and sort this out - it's just getting worse and worse.
"The local businesses can't even do business because they're scared to walk on the street down here. I mean people can't even walk in because it's all gangs out there singing and dancing and this and that. They find the biggest weapon they can and it's all getting out of hand."
He added: "Everyone's worried in here, we can't even get a customer inside. This is happening right opposite us, and it's gangs of 20 or 30 kids out there selling drugs."
Cisjai, a local chicken shop worker two doors down from George Street Express, echoed this fear. He told MyLondon: "This is Croydon, it's happening generally."
Adding that violence was a common but worrying occurance in the area. He said he was worried about the stabbing and said he believed the man was stabbed in the neck.
He said: "We are worried about it, of course we're going to be worried. Generally, while we are working in the stores when things happen like that we are afraid.
"These things aren't good you know? We need proper police every time in this area."
A spokesperson from the Met Police released a statement. they said: "Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at about 13:55hrs on Tuesday, 1 October to reports of a man stabbed on George Street in Croydon.
"Officers attended. The 23-year-old man was taken to hospital by the LAS; we await an update on his condition.
"A crime scene is in place. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue. Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 reference CAD 3728/01Oct."
London Tramlink services were also affected by the cordon which cut off part of the tracks meaning that services between East Croydon and Reeves Corner were temporarily suspended. They were then reopened after a while with minor delays.
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