Police are appealing for witnesses after a second gang fight in a crime-ridden neighbourhood of London’s East End in two days—where the authorities now plan to enforce an exclusion zone to clear yobs off the street.

The latest incident involved 30 youths who police think are responsible for a rise in crime in the area of Bromley-by-Bow.

Officers were called to a fight in Campbell Road last Tuesday evening at about 8.40pm. Four youths were arrested on suspicion of affray and assault and later given police bail to return later this month.

Police were also called the previous evening to a stabbing in an alley close by, between Rounton Road and Knapp Road, where a 23-year-old man was attacked by a gang. The man was rushed to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel with several stab wounds, but has since been discharged.

They are looking for youths, some as young as 13, who fled after the attack, thought to be responsible for a series crime and anti-social behaviour.

The violence and crime in the area has led to police and Tower Hamlets Council plans to enforce an exclusion zone to clear youths off the streets.

“The behaviour of this group has caused a real feeling of intimidation,” Acting Det Insp Iain Harkes said. “We treat violence and anti-social behaviour seriously and will pursue those involved.

“This should send a clear message to those who think they can continue acting in this appalling way that we will take action.”

The council has put on more patrols, using mobile CCTV vans and sending out youth workers to gather evidence for 10 Anti Social Behaviour Order applications.

A Town Hall statement said: “We will continue to step up our presence in the area to discourage and deal with any further incidents.”

The authorities are applying for an emergency dispersal order zone, to allow police to force out groups of two or more from the area, which would include taking home anyone under 16 who is on the streets between 9pm and 6am without a parent or responsible adult.

Police, meanwhile, are appealing for witnesses to the latest incidents in Rounton Road and Cambell Road on June 9 and 10 or anyone who can indentify any of the youths to dial 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

A boy aged 13 has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and GBH and has been given police bail.