A YOUTH worker remains in a life-threatening condition after being stabbed while protecting a group of teenagers from an armed gang.

Simon Somerville, 41, from Walthamstow, had been running a three-day youth programme about gang culture with his brother-in-law Eddie Hypolite, at the Albany Theatre, in Deptford, when a large group of youths caused a distrubance last Wednesday.

When officers arrived the group had dispersed, but at 9.15pm they were called to the area again and found Mr Somerville and a 16-year-old boy suffering from stab wounds.

Mr Somerville was stabbed several times and his condition is currently described as life-threatening.

Meanwhile the teenager, who was stabbed in the lower body, has been released from hospital.

Mr Hypolite, 40, said: "Before the seminar, which looks at the negative side of street and gang culture, there was trouble outside the theatre.

"A group of youngsters were firing fireworks at people.

"After the seminar had finished they were out there again. Simon was helping the kids from his youth group back to the van when they were attacked by the group.

"Simon put himself between his youths and the gang to defuse the situation even though they were armed with knives. They completely brutalised him."

A 16-year old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is in custody at a south London police station.

Anyone with information should call Lewisham police on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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