Key Points:
- A 52-year-old man remains in critical condition following a reported assault at Ridley Road Market in Hackney, London.
- The incident occurred around 7:15am on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
- Two men, aged 32 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
- Both suspects have since been bailed while investigations continue.
- Ridley Road Market remained open, though a police cordon was in place.
- Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
- London Ambulance Service confirmed the victim sustained a severe head injury.
- Police and emergency services responded swiftly to the early morning altercation.
A man is in critical condition two days after an alleged early morning assault at Ridley Road Market in Hackney, prompting a police investigation and public appeal for witnesses.
What happened at Ridley Road Market on May 21?
As reported by Rebecca McCulloch of My London, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 52-year-old man suffered a serious head injury following an incident described as a “fight” at Ridley Road Market in Dalston, Hackney. The alleged assault occurred at approximately 7:15am on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
By Friday afternoon (23 May), the man remained in critical condition in hospital. In a statement shared by My London, police said: “Around 7:40am on Wednesday, May 21, officers attended Ridley Road, Hackney, alongside the London Ambulance Service, following reports of an altercation. A 52-year-old man was taken to hospital. His condition has been assessed as critical, and we await further updates.”
Were arrests made following the incident?
According to the same report by Rebecca McCulloch in My London, two men — aged 32 and 36 — were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident. They have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
How did emergency services respond?
A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service, also quoted by My London, stated:
“We were called at 7:16am this morning (May 21) to reports of an injured person in Ridley Road, Hackney. We sent an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer to the scene. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London’s Air Ambulance.
“We treated a patient for a head injury and took him to a major trauma centre by road.”
The incident led to a temporary cordon being established at the Dalston Kingsland end of Ridley Road Market. Despite the investigation, trading at the market continued during police presence.
Are police seeking public assistance?
Yes. Detectives are appealing to the public to come forward with any relevant information. As reported by My London, the police urge anyone with details or who may have witnessed the altercation to contact them via 101, quoting incident reference 2442/21MAY.
What is the wider context of violence in Hackney?
Hackney has faced recurring challenges with public violence, particularly in crowded areas such as markets. The borough is known for a higher-than-average rate of violent crime in London, with knife crime and assaults remaining serious concerns for local authorities.
Recent incidents include:
- A separate market stabbing on 12 November 2024, where Musse Ali, 66, was charged in connection with a fatal incident reported by BBC News.
- On 18 May 2025, Ali Faris Muhammad, 26, was fatally stabbed, further fuelling public safety concerns in East London, as noted in Metropolitan Police News.
What steps are being taken to address violence in the area?
The Metropolitan Police’s Hackney Borough Unit continues to engage in proactive crime prevention efforts, including community policing and violence reduction strategies. Officers frequently patrol high-footfall areas like markets to deter violent incidents and gather intelligence.
Their public engagement also includes campaigns against knife crime, property marking schemes, and working with local businesses to secure market areas.
What should residents and witnesses do now?
Police have reiterated their request for public support to assist in the ongoing investigation. Residents who were in the area on Wednesday morning or who may have captured video footage are encouraged to speak to officers or call 101 with the reference 2442/21MAY. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crimestoppers.
