A STAB victim who was knifed with a six inch blade when he tried to break up a fight has recalled the attack which nearly killed him.
Brave Andrew Moskal went to the aid of three strangers as an argument with a gang of teenagers over ownership of a bicycle escalated into violence close to his home in High Road, Leytonstone.
The 29-year martial arts fan was then stabbed in the stomach during the struggle.
The blade pierced his liver and he was rushed to hospital for life-saving surgery.
He is expected to make a full recovery, but he believes he came very close to being killed.
He said: “As I parked up my car, I saw about ten guys arguing. One guy was knocked unconscious on the pavement.
“I just wanted to break it up. If I knew one of them had a knife, I would have been more careful.
“I pushed two of them aside, and raised my arms up to protect my face.
“The smallest of the group had the knife. I think he was the youngest, and it was lucky he couldn't reach and stab me in my chest.”
“I was so hyped up on adrenaline that I didn't feel (the knife) go in. I didn't feel any pain.
“But I knew I was losing a lot of blood, because I started to feel dizzy.
“If there was just one more person with a knife, that would have been it for me.
“There was moment I thought I might pass away. I still think today that they were very close to killing me.”
Bozena Koniuszuk, 55, the mother of Mr Moskal’s partner Kate, was sitting inside when she heard Andrew's screams.
She rushed out to find him on the doorstep receiving first aid from paramedics.
She said: “Andrew is such a helpful person and always tries to help those in need. That may have been his downfall.
“He is such a strong man. He even started making jokes when we saw him in hospital.
“I want to understand why there is so much violence (in Leytonstone).
“I am afraid to go out. My daughter is afraid to go out. We would all like to move as far away from here as possible.”
A 21-year-old man arrested in connection with the attack has been released on bail until August 24.
Two people have been stabbed in Leytonstone since the attack on Mr Moskal.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel