A TEENAGER was stabbed in the back and neck after being chased through the streets of Leytonstone by a group of men.

The 17-year-old boy was walking with two friends in the High Road after visiting a takeaway at around 12.25am yesterday (Thursday August 25) when two cars drew up behind them at the junction with Ferndale Road.

Several men wearing dark clothing got out of the black and silver vehicles, when the boys noticed they had their faces covered with items such as hoods and scarves.

They approached the trio but said nothing, so the terrified youths ran off along Ferndale Road to escape.

The gang managed to catch up with the 17-year-old in Malvern Road, where he was stabbed "multiple" times, police say. It is unclear if the victim was stabbed by more than one person.

The men then ran off in the direction of Montague Road.

His wounds are not thought to be life-changing or life-threatening but he remains in hospital. The teenager, who is a student, is expected to make a full recovery.

His two friends were not injured.

Police have not said whether the attack was gang-related and say they have an "open mind" about the possible motive.

The boys do not know exactly how many suspects there were but all are described as aged between 16 and 20 years.

It is believed there were people in both the front and rear of both vehicles.

One of the men was white, possibly of Mediterranean appearance, aged between 18 and 19, of average build. He was wearing a woolly hat.

A second man was black with a stocky build. He wore a tracksuit.

A Met spokeswoman said: "If anyone has any information please contact Waltham Forest Police, DC Marco Marcos on 020 3276 0967.

"If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

The stabbing comes amid a period of relative calm in Leytonstone, with few reported such incidents this summer.

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