Police are hunting a knife attacker after a suspected stabbing took place in a shopping centre in east London.
The victim was reportedly stabbed in the back, with the emergency services called to The Brewery at 12.53pm on Tuesday.
Video footage circulating on social media showed shoppers being evacuated and taken outside shortly after the incident unfolded.
The Met Police believe the stabbing occurred inside a stairwell at The Brewery, with the male victim taken to hospital. The police are currently awaiting an update on his condition.
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A manhunt has been launched to locate the suspect, and a crime scene remains in place.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “Police were called at 12:53hrs on Tuesday, 20 February to reports of an injured man at The Brewery, Romford.
“Officers and London Ambulance Service [LAS] attended. At the scene witnesses reported seeing a man with a knife injury to the back.
“Following a local search officer found the victim [no further details]. He was taken to an east London hospital. We await an update on his condition.
“At this early stage we believe that the stabbing took place inside the stairwell at the Brewery. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate the suspect. A crime scene is in place.”
In a statement, David Taylor, a local councillor for St Edwards Ward, said: “I am horrified to hear of another stabbing in Romford, my prayers are with the victim and their family, as well as all those who will be feeling afraid on hearing the news.
“In moments like this, we must pull together as a town and look out for those around us. Our town is full of amazing people, and amazing police, who I know will be doing all they can right now.
“We are hearing about incidents like this on an increasingly regular basis, so I have reached out to community leaders to arrange an urgent Knife-Crime summit. We will announce details on this as soon as possible.
“It is my belief that we can turn Romford around and make this a great place to live. Enough is enough”.
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 quoting 3260/20FEB.