A COMMUNITY centre hosting a birthday party for almost 100 children was put into lockdown by police after a teenager was stabbed in the chest by a gang of youths outside.

The 18-year-old was attacked by up to eight youths opposite Murray Hall community centre in Border’s Lane, Loughton, where the 13-year-old’s party was taking place.

The victim was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition, while police sealed off part of Borders Lane and searched the area by torchlight.

Children at the party were led out in single file to be picked up by parents beyond the police perimeter, while parents with vehicles parked at the community centre had to wait till past midnight for permission to retrieve them.

Don Smith, 66, of Border’s Lane said: “I heard a lot of shouting but did not think anything of it. I then heard police sirens and saw them blocking off the road.

“I heard that there was a party in a house, a fight started there and they followed the guy and stabbed him.

A pensioner from Borders Lane said: “After the police closed the road off I have never known it to be so silent.

“There were police helicopters in the air. It is a really shocking and terrible thing to happen. Especially so near a children’s party.”

She said she believed the attackers and victim and come from the direction of nearby Colson Road.

The attack, at 9.30pm on Saturday, April 23, came just days after police revealed details of another attack on an 18-year-old in Border’s Lane earlier this year in which a gang attacked the head of their victim with a piece of wood while trying to rob him.

Tony Cunnington, who lives in nearby Colson Road, said: “I am not surprised it has happened here. It has definitely become more violent and dangerous.”

Anyone with information about the attacks is asked to contact PC Sarah Jeffries at Harlow police on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.