DETAILS have emerged of a schoolboy feud which started on Facebook and led to a chase through the streets of Wanstead and, three 17-year-old boys being stabbed in broad daylight.

Wanstead High Street was locked down by police on Monday afternoon after the attack, which led to all three being taken to hospital, one with severe injuries.

The chase broke out at the gates of Wanstead High School in Redbridge Lane West after a group of five teenagers started fighting with three ex-pupils who had gone to the school to meet a friend.

Headteacher Christiaan Van Bussell said: “One of our pupils had an argument with some people on the internet via Facebook, over half-term, which apparently involved four or five youths.

“On Monday afternoon they came to the school to assault him or fight him, I presume.

“It so happens that an ex-student who left year 11 last year had come back to the school to meet a friend with a couple of other friends in tow.

“What appears to have happened is that one of the (unknown) boys threw two fireworks to create mayhem. These other lads told them to get lost.

“That resulted in an altercation, after which the lads ran off and the others followed them to outside the George pub, resulting in the stabbing.”

One boy was severely injured with three stab wounds to the back but is now in a stable condition. Another was treated for a cut to the stomach and the third for a stab wound to his leg.

Fourteen police vehicles were sent to the scene after they received the first call at 3.05pm on Monday.

Mr Van Bussell added: “Many students were already in the High Street when the lads arrived, being chased by these boys, who had caught up with them. Really, the situation was brought to our students.

“I would like to compliment them on their safe behaviour. They did get out of the way, some waiting at the bus stop kept out of it. They were a bit curious but there was no mad rush to see what was going on.”

Police are looking for five black youths aged between 17 and 19. Anyone with information should call 8345 2727.