A MAN was stabbed in the arm following an argument between two groups of youths last night (Monday).

The man, aged about 20 years old, was taken by ambulance to Whipps Cross Hospital after being discovered in Wood Street, Walthamstow, at about 8.20pm.

The victim's condition was non life-threatening and he has been released from hospital.

Police found another man, aged around 18, with cuts to his arm and torso nearby soon after.

Witnesses reported seeing a large group of teenagers rushing towards the Wood Street station area shortly before the fight broke out.

Merant Meric, 25, shop manager of a Wood Street off licence, said: “I saw everyone running down the road. There was a big group of guys wearing hooded tops and scarves across their face.”

“There is always trouble in Wood Street,” he added.

Abid Aslam, managing director of O.G. Clothing in Wood Street, was working in his office when he saw the youths rush past his window.

He said: “I heard kids shouting and the next thing I saw lots of kids run past, some on bikes, wearing hoodies. It looked like something serious was about to happen.

“I was going to go and and speak to them but the next thing I knew about eight police cars pulled up.”

Mr Aslam runs projects for disadvantaged young people to teach them t-shirt printing techniques in his shop's studio.

He added: “I have spoken to members of the Green Gang before and told them not to go down the wrong path. These kids are bored and need something to do. That is what we are trying to do here.”

Six men have been arrested following the attack and have been bailed to return at a date in late December.

A police spokesman said: "At this early stage in the investigation officers believe the incident happened following a verbal confrontation between two groups of males."