ERITH, LONDON — A quiet afternoon turned to chaos and horror in Erith on Saturday as two individuals were violently stabbed in a brutal daylight altercation, prompting an urgent manhunt and leaving the community in deep shock.
Emergency services rushed to The Nursery shortly after 3:00 p.m. following multiple distress calls reporting a violent incident involving knives. Upon arrival, first responders discovered two victims—both males, believed to be in their late teens to early twenties—suffering from severe stab wounds.
Paramedics administered life-saving treatment on the scene before both victims were transported to a nearby hospital. One remains in critical condition. The other is being treated for serious, though reportedly non-life-threatening injuries.
Metropolitan Police immediately cordoned off the area as a crime scene, launching a full-scale investigation into what officers are calling a “targeted and deeply disturbing act of violence.” At this time, no arrests have been made, and detectives are urgently appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or phone footage to come forward.
“This kind of violence in broad daylight is not just unacceptable—it’s terrifying,” said Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lonsdale. “We are doing everything in our power to identify and apprehend those responsible. Someone out there knows what happened.”
Residents in the Erith area have expressed growing concern in recent months over rising youth-related violence and weapon offences. Saturday’s attack has only deepened fears, with some community members calling for increased police presence and intervention programs.
“I heard screaming and then sirens,” one local mother said. “There were kids around—families in the park. How does this keep happening?”
Local councillors and community leaders have since spoken out, urging calm while emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in the face of tragedy. A police mobile unit has been stationed near the scene to provide reassurance and receive tips from residents.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Metropolitan Police incident line or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
As the investigation continues, the people of Erith are left mourning the trauma inflicted on their community—and hoping for justice in the face of yet another senseless act of violence