Teacher tells of his ordeal after violent gang attack

The teacher who was the victim of an attack in the East End has spoken of his ordeal. Gary Smith, 37, who teaches religious studies at Central Foundation School for Girls, was attacked by a gang of Asian youths who wore black bandanas

THE teacher who was the victim of a 'horrific and evil' attack in the East End has spoken of his ordeal.

Gary Smith, 37, who teaches religious studies at Central Foundation School for Girls, was attacked by a gang of Asian youths who wore black bandanas as he walked to work at 8.20am on Monday July 12.

Initially, officers treated his attack as a robbery but have since upgraded the investigation to attempted murder because of the extent of Gary's injuries.

Mr Smith said: "They were all armed with knives. I tried to defend myself and run away but they all jumped me and that's the last thing I remember. I'm not sure how many times they stabbed me - I've got several wounds on my head, and bruises all over my face and body.

"I wouldn't want anybody else to suffer what I went through. I survived but somebody else might not."

Mr Smith, who also runs a martial arts club, said he did not know of any reason why the gang attacked him.

Police have sent forensic evidence away for examination, as well as carry out fresh interviews to try and determine the cause of the attack.

Information can be passed to Tower Hamlets CID on 0208 217 6650 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.