Five held after three off-license staff are stabbed in East London

FIVE men are still being held this-morning after a stabbing in East London when three off-licence workers were attacked by a gang of 10. They were arrested yesterday and held at an East London police station overnight as detectives began an appeal for witnesses to the stabbing outside Forest Gate station

FIVE men are still being held this-morning after a stabbing in East London when three off-licence workers were attacked by a gang of 10.

They were arrested yesterday and held at an East London police station overnight as detectives began an appeal for witnesses to the stabbing outside Forest Gate station just before midnight on Tuesday.

The three off-license staff were outside their nearby premises in Woodgrange Road locking up for the night when a gang of 10, all with their faces covered, attacked them with metal poles and other weapons. The gang made off towards Forest Lane.

Det Chief Ins Adrian Looby said last night: "This was a violent attack which has left three men injured, two of them seriously."

All three were taken by ambulances to hospital. One of the victims, a man of 29, had stab wounds to the head, while a second aged 22 had injuries to his hands. Both were later described as being in serious but stable conditions. The third, aged 27, was treated for a nose fracture and face bruising.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the attack at 11.45pm Tuesday, or anyone with information, to contact Newham CID on 020-7275 585, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111. They are keeping an open mind today about the motive, as investigations continue.