Key Points:
- Police arrested 12 teenagers, aged between 12 and 17, following a violent knife attack at Elm Park Primary School in Hornchurch, east London.
- Two teenagers suffered stabbing injuries but their wounds are not life-changing.
- Four police officers were injured during the response to the incident.
- Around 50 to 70 youths stormed the birthday party carrying knives, causing guests to flee.
- Knives were later found discarded in nearby gardens and driveways.
- The attack was allegedly sparked by a young female sharing the party’s location on social media.
- The gang travelled between Elm Park, Dagenham, and Barking, committing offences between 7pm and midnight.
- Arrests were made for possession of weapons, assault on emergency workers, and violent disorder.
- No charges have been filed yet, and police are appealing for witnesses and victims to come forward.
A violent knife attack erupted at a birthday party held at Elm Park Primary School in Hornchurch, east London, leading to the arrest of 12 teenagers aged between 12 and 17. The shocking incident saw up to 70 youths, some armed with knives, storming the school hall, causing panic and chaos among guests.
What happened at Elm Park Primary School?
According to eyewitnesses, the violence broke out on Saturday, March 22, after a large group of teenagers crashed the private birthday celebration. Social media reportedly played a role in mobilising the gang, with a young female allegedly sharing details of the party’s location online. This led to teenage boys from Harold Hill and Hackney travelling to the venue.
As violence escalated, two teenagers suffered stabbing injuries, though their wounds were confirmed as non-life-threatening. In the aftermath, four police officers were also injured while responding to the situation. Neighbours reported waking up to find knives discarded in gardens and driveways as the youths fled the scene.
How did the police respond?
The Metropolitan Police launched a large-scale response and made 12 arrests in connection with the incident. The suspects face allegations including possession of an offensive weapon, violent disorder, and assaulting emergency service workers.
A police spokesperson said: “There was an incident of violent disorder after a large group attended a private event at Elm Park Primary School, some armed with weapons, and assaulted and robbed members of the public.”
Authorities confirmed that no charges have been filed yet but that investigations remain ongoing.
What led to the violent outbreak?
Residents and witnesses believe that the attack was fuelled by the viral spread of party details on social media. Reports suggest that teenagers from different boroughs, including Hackney and Harold Hill, converged at the school hall and began carrying out offences across Elm Park, Barking and Dagenham.
A local resident described the scene as “total chaos,” stating: “We saw between 40 to 50 youths running through the streets. We think they had knives as they were seen dropping weapons in people’s driveways and running away.”
What are officials saying about the attack?
Authorities have strongly condemned the violence. The Metropolitan Police released a statement emphasising their commitment to ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
“The violence seen on Saturday evening has no place in our society and it will not be tolerated,” a police spokesperson stated. “We will work with our colleagues from the British Transport Police, our partners in Havering, Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham councils as well as the local community to ensure those responsible are held to account for their actions.”
What happens next?
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information, including witnesses and victims, to come forward.
The force has also vowed to increase security and surveillance in the affected areas to prevent further violent outbreaks. Residents remain shaken by the scale of the attack, with concerns growing over the rising issue of knife crime among young people in London.
