“I want to make residents aware of a serious incident which happened outside Forest Gate Youth Zone in Woodgrange Road yesterday evening (Friday 12 October).
“At just before 5.30pm a young man aged 17 known to youth workers at the youth hub was chatting to friends outside the building when three masked males riding bikes pulled up. They jumped from their bikes and chased the victim. He ran inside the youth hub but was chased by the three males.
“Once inside the youth zone the assailants pursued the boy, tackled him and stabbed him repeatedly. Five youth workers on duty inside the hub, with scant regard to their own safety, pulled the attackers away from the victim.
“Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to hospital for treatment. We now know that thankfully his injuries are neither life-threatening nor life-changing. Following the intervention of the youth workers the assailants made off and are subject to on-going police inquiries.
“Staff and youngsters at the Forest Gate youth hub have clearly been left traumatised by the event, and are being given assistance and counselling by Newham Council. The centre will remain closed until further notice.
“I am appalled by this violent assault on a young man in our borough, however I cannot commend highly enough the staff of the youth hub for their selfless and brave intervention.
“Our youth workers put their lives on the line to go to the aid of this young man who had sought refuge in our youth zone. This underlines how critical it is for our young people to have a place of safety to rely on. I visited the Forest Gate centre last night to thank staff personally and offer reassurance to the young people who witnessed this horrible event, that this council is determined to be there for them.
“I have talked to many of our young people and they rightly regard our youth zones as a place to seek help and refuge. The actions of our staff illustrate the commitment to our young people that we are determined to create safe spaces where they can live their lives safely, achieve potential and live in peace.
“I would ask that anyone with information about this attack should call police on 101 quoting CAD 5994/12Oct or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."