Fears grow over gang violence after man stabbed on the Mozart Estate

A teenager was stabbed in the early hours of this morning (Friday 7) – just hours after the police issued a 24 hour stop and search order.

The 18-year-old man was stabbed several times in the Mozart Estate, in Selby Square, Queen’s Park.

He was taken to an east London hospital where he remains in serious but stable condition.

No arrests have been made.

The teenager was walking home on his own through the square having been out with friends, when he noticed a large group of people behind him.

He ran away, but tripped and the group caught up with him.

He was involved in an altercation with them, and was stabbed several times before the group fled.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent knife attacks involving teenagers in the area.

It came just hours after Westminster police issued stop and search powers under Section 60 under the Public Order Act 1994, covering the Queens Park, Harrow Road, Maida Vale, Westbourne and Little Venice wards.

This allows officers to search anyone without needing to have grounds for suspicion where they believe there is threat of serious violence.

The order ran from noon on Thursday for 24 hours.

In a statement about the order issued on Thursday, Inspector Mark Cruickshank, wrote: “This power was a considered and proportionate response to disrupt incidents of youth related violence and disorder.

“Its application was considered necessary to respond to a number of incidents which occurred both over the New Year and most recently a disturbance involving youths yesterday in Edbrooke Road.”

Queen’s Park Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, leader of the Labour group in Westminster Council, called on police and councils in Westminster and Brent to unite and develop a joint strategy to tackle the rise in youth gang related violence.

He said: “There has been a worrying increase in violent incidents. There have been five or six involving knives or guns over the past year and that is five or six too many.

“I am concerned that urgent action needs to be taken and that authorities in Westminster and Brent put together a strategy to address this situation before it escalates.”

Detectives have appealed for witnesses to the stabbing.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Forteath, leading the investigation, said: “This man is lucky to have survived this attack. The motive remains unknown, but we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen or heard something to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call Westminster Serious Violence Team on 020 7321 9314 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.