Dagenham neighbour who broke window to avoid wasting injured two-year-old after knifeman stabbed the boy, an eight-year-old woman and girl in her 30s says ‘there was blood all over the place’

Detectives are continuing to question a suspect on suspicion of attempted murder as a woman and two children recover from their injuries in hospital. 

Police were called to First Avenue, Dagenham, east London, at 5.35pm on Friday where they found the woman, in her 30s, an eight-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy.

All three are in hospital, though none of their injuries are thought to be life-threatening, the Metropolitan Police said.

All three are believed to have suffered stab injuries. 

Davey Holland, who witnessed the aftermath of the attack, said: ‘A woman came past our house, she was holding a child to her and she was screaming that her baby had been stabbed.

‘So I ran down to the woman’s house I broke the left window open and I tried to help the baby (inside).

‘It was terrifying – there was blood everywhere. It was like something like a horror film.’  

A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

He was also taken to hospital after becoming unwell and, after being assessed, was discharged into police custody.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, responsible for policing in Barking and Dagenham, said: ‘This is a truly shocking attack and I want to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we deal with this incident.

‘At this early stage, we believe those involved were known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

‘A crime scene will remain in place for some time while our officers carry out vital work and you will see an increased policing presence in the area over the coming days.

‘If you have any concerns or information that could assist police then please speak to an officer or call police on 101.’