RESIDENTS have expressed surprise at the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy on a normally 'quiet' estate.
Police say the teenager was standing with a friend in Underwood Court on the Leyton Grange estate, off Church Road in Leyton, at 8.45pm yesterday (January 9) when he was attacked by a gang.
But people living on the estate said the victim was standing at a nearby bus stop when he was attacked and ran back on to the estate, before collapsing.
A Whipps Cross University Hospital employee is said to have administered live-saving first aid before an ambulance arrived.
The teenager is described as being in a stable condition in hospital.
No arrests have been made.
Residents of the estate said the teenager was from Hackney and had visited the area with a friend to see two girls.
An Underwood Court resident, known only as Venita, lives just a few doors way from where the boy collapsed.
She said: “It is quite shocking for something like this to happen right on my doorstep “I speak for all residents when I say this kind of thing does not usually happen around here.
“You get kids who would be out here playing but the area is fairly quiet.
“I have a 17-year-old daughter and this makes me worry.”
Another resident, who did not want to be named said: “This is a quiet and lovely estate.
“Nothing like this really happens.
“I have a 13-year-old son who I will now be worrying about when he is out and about.”
A number of other residents confirmed the estate was quiet and serious incidents were more common in surrounding areas, like the Beaumont Estate or Oliver Close.
However, one resident, Barbara Chang, 42, said there had been some recent problems with gang disputes.
The grandmother, who also has teenage children, said: “I worry for my son who is 15 years old, but I know God will protect my family.”
Police describe the attackers as black, but no further details have been released.
Detectives say they are keeping an open mind about the motive for the attack.
Waltham Forest saw an upsurge in youth related violence in the summer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 020 3276 0955, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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