Police Seek Witnesses as Investigation Continues in East London
In the early hours of Saturday morning, a double stabbing in Hackney Wick has resulted in one man’s death and another in hospital. The Metropolitan Police reported that officers were called to an east London hospital around 4:30 AM, where two men arrived with knife wounds.
A 26-year-old man later succumbed to his injuries, while the condition of a 24-year-old man remains under formal assessment. Both victims were attacked on White Post Lane, which has since been cordoned off for forensic investigation.
No arrests have been made thus far. Matt Kruzynski, an employee at a nearby bar that has closed during the investigation, expressed his shock at the incident occurring in what he described as a “family-friendly area” that has significantly improved in recent years.
Standing near the police cordon, Kruzynski shared his sentiments with the PA news agency: “Hackney Wick is my local drinking spot. I spend a lot of time here. I have always felt very safe here. Nothing like this has ever happened while I’ve worked in Hackney Wick.”
He noted that, despite the area’s previous reputation, it has transformed, allowing late-night wanderings without fear. “It’s normal to see people pushing prams or taking their dogs for a walk at midnight,” he added.
The police cordon extends from a bridge over the River Lee Navigation, with visible evidence markers and what appeared to be blood splatters. By noon, the cordoned-off area was expanded to include Cadogan Close near Victoria Park, encompassing a footbridge over the river. Officers are currently patrolling the scene, while security teams manage pedestrian traffic, including football fans heading to the West Ham vs. Chelsea match at the nearby London Stadium. Traffic diversions have also affected local bus routes.
The Metropolitan Police are appealing for witnesses as detectives from the specialist crime unit lead the investigation. The family of the deceased 26-year-old has been notified, and formal identification, along with a post-mortem examination, will follow.
This tragic incident occurs against a backdrop of rising knife crime, as statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the number of knife-related homicides in England and Wales reached the highest level in 76 years during 2021/22. The ONS reported that the increase was largely driven by an 18% rise in male victims, from 184 to 218, in the year leading up to March 2022.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police via 101, quoting reference 1222/11feb, or to reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.
