FEAR of knife crime is driving demand for slash-proof school blazers and hoodies.

Redbridge clothing firm Bladerunner says parents have contacted them to order kevlar-lined blazers for their children.

And residents, including John Charles from Wanstead, are snapping up the firm's slash-proof hoodies in a bid to keep safe on the streets.

Bladerunner started making Kevlar-lined gloves for police but, after witnessing violence in Ilford Town Centre, they decided to use the ultra-strong material to produce clothes for regular people Since then, they have received orders from concerned parents for school blazers lined with a stab-proof material. And their range of kevlar hoodies are in demand both in Redbridge and around the country.

One of Bladerunner's founders, Adrian Davis, said: "At one point I had over 130 emails all for requests to put Kevlar in blazers. Although we did it for a few concerned parents, it's not something we are actively pursuing as a company."

Co-founder Barry Samms says that police officers are among his customers for Kevlar garments: "Growing up in Ilford we always felt it was a very safe area but we are talking about a serious increase in crime in the last ten years. Most people in the area have had some experience of crime.

"A lot of people I know won't go into Ilford for their shopping any more. We have always dealt with the police but since April we decided to do the hooded tops and we have had a few orders from them for undercover work."

Critics have accused the company of cashing in on irrational fears but Mr Samms claims the threat of violence is real.

"I was in Ilford recently at about 3pm and saw a group of 20 youths fighting in the street. We had a 15-year-old boy in east London who escaped a knife attack wearing our top with just cuts on hands so it's a good testament for us that it worked for someone."

John Charles, 35, a trader from Wanstead, has been attacked many times by thugs wielding knives, and felt the need to buy a protective hoodie in the belief it may save his life.

Mr Charles said: "With all the problems that we are having at the moment I think it's necessary. I've been slashed in the face before by someone in Hainault. I'm quite sporty and would wear a hoodie anyway so think it's a good idea.

"I have had a lot of problems with people driving around and then pulling over with knives. There are also many people walking around with knives and prepared to use them."

Mr Charles also questions the police's attitude that knife crime is not a problem within the borough. He said: "I have heard the police say that it's a stupid idea but at the end of the day is there going to be a police officer there when someone is trying to stab me?"

Chief Inspector Stan Greatrick of Ilford Police denies that people are more at danger on the street these days saying: "Violent crime in this borough is currently down by 12.7 per cent in July 2006 to July 2007."