POLICE investigating a stabbing near Stepney Green Tube station, which took place on 5th April, have arrested five young men. They have also seized a number of weapons, including two large knives.
The stabbing took place just before 11pm. The victim was a 19 year old man. Although he was wounded as a result of the attack and required hospital treatment, his condition was not life-threatening. An 18 year old man was arrested on the same day. He was charged the following day with committing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) with Intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He remains in custody, awaiting trial.
The police investigation did not stop there. A joint operation was launched between the new Violence Suppression Unit (VSU) in Central East Command (which covers Tower Hamlets and Hackney) and the CID Reactive and Proactive Team. As a result, a number of warrants were obtained, which were executed on 11th May.
As a result of the raids on addresses in Warley Street, E2 and Hannibal Street, E1, five further arrests were made on suspicion of offences including GBH, attempted murder and possession of ammunition. Those arrested were in their late teens and early 20s. The weapons seized were taken away for specialist analysis. The five have all been released on bail while the investigations continue.
A/Inspector Sam Horton said, “This has been a very positive start for the VSU in Central East, covering Hackney and Tower Hamlets, with five further arrests in relation to an incredibly serious incident. “This is the exact work that Central East Violence Suppression Unit will be carrying out on a daily basis along with a multitude of activity to combat violent crime across our boroughs.”
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