POLICE have released CCTV images of six youths wanted in connection with a number of assaults - nearly SIX months after they took place.

Although the attacks, which left two teenagers with knife wounds and another three with dog bites, happened in Leyton on July 26 last year, officers have only today made the images public.

A police spokeswoman said the images were only being released now because “all other avenues have been exhausted.”

The appeal was so long ago that the Met is reminding people of events that took place that day in an attempt to jog people’s memories, including Lewis Hamilton winning the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Waltham Forest Mela.

The youths boarded a number 58 bus towards East Ham in Leyton High Road, close to Coronation Gardens.

A brawl broke out on the top deck of the vehicle involving up to 20 young men and the police were called.

A 17-year-old and 14-year-old were stabbed and were initially in hospital in a critical condition before making a full recovery and three other youths aged 14, 15 and 18 were bitten by dogs.

A 16-year-old boy who was initially arrested following the fight was released without charge.

The images show the youths on board the bus minutes before the attack.

The incident came just weeks after a 20-year-old man was stabbed in Coronation Gardens and it fuelled residents’ concerns that the area had become a hotbed for drugs and violence.

In October a 15-year-old boy was found in nearby Sidmouth Road with multiple stab wounds which turned out to be non life-threatening.

Anybody with information about the July 26 fight, which happened at about 7.30pm, should call police on 8345 3015 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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