Walworth stabbing: Man fighting for life after attack by gang ‘armed with baseball bats’ in London park

Witness says young children were present at violent attack on Friday afternoon

Police seen in Nursery Row Park, Walworth, where a 24-year-old man is believed to have been stabbed on Friday (PA)

A man has been left fighting for his life in hospital after being attacked by a group of up to six men “armed with baseball bats and knives”, police have said.

Officers were called by London Ambulance Service to reports of a stabbing in Walworth, south London, at 5.22pm on Friday.

The Metropolitan Police said a 24-year-old man, who is believed to have been attacked in Nursery Row Park in front of children, was taken to hospital suffering from stab wounds.

There have been no arrests so far and a crime scene remains in place while the investigation continues.

Police have urged anyone with information on the incident to come forward.

“I believe the victim was attacked by a group of up to six males armed with baseball bats and knives,” Detective Sergeant Rob Merrett, of Central South CID, said.

“An investigation is under way, including forensic analysis of the scene and of all available CCTV footage, in addition to house-to-house and other local enquiries.”

Mr Merrett added: “I urge any witnesses, anyone with information, and in particular people who have mobile phone footage of the incident, to come forward and speak with police if they have not already done so.”

A Section 60 order granting police stop and search powers has been authorised for the Walworth area over the incident and additional patrols have been put in place.

One witness who saw the man lying in the street following the incident said young children had witnessed the violent attack.

“I saw someone lying on the floor so I called my elder sister who is a nurse to go and help resuscitate him,” the woman, who chose to remain anonymous, said.

“I told her to get gloves and a mask but when she ran there the police were not allowing people through.

“There was a lady trying to put the young man in the recovery position but they weren’t letting anyone else come near him.”

Police have asked anyone with information which could assist the investigation to call 101, quoting 5940/21aug.

Anyone with information on the incident can also give information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Additional reporting by PA