An 80-year-old has been rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed in South Park.

Police were called at 10.02am this morning, by the London Ambulance Service to reports of a man who had been stabbed in the park off Green Lane, Ilford.

The victim was taken to an east London hospital, reportedly suffering stab wounds to the neck.

He was discovered in a dense bush, just metres away from the park’s entrance, by the park keeper who was litter picking at the time.

Tony Hoad, secretary of the South Park Users Group, who called the emergency services, said the man was “fully submerged” in the bush.

He said: “The park keeper knocked on my door after realising he didn’t have a phone with him.

“I rang the emergency services and the ambulance arrived in less than 10 minutes, they were great.

“He was submerged in the bush, you would not have seen him unless you walked past closely.”

A police spokeswoman said: “His injuries are potentially life-threatening,”

“A crime scene is in place and officers are in attendance.”

The police added it was too early to establish a motive.

A parent whose child attends South Park Primary School, Water Lane, Ilford said: “I can’t believe it happened so close to the nursery.

“In the summer we use that park a lot. It’s horrible.”

A resident who lives opposite the park added that there was rarely any trouble in the park.

But a mother-of-four, who also lives opposite the park said she was scared to venture over there now.

She said: “We thought the park was safe. We take our kids to there all the time.

“I am so shocked and scared to hear what happened.

“My husband runs around the park every morning but he couldn’t this morning.

“Now I feel so relieved.”

No arrests have been made and police inquiries continue.

Did you see what happened? Call Ann-Marie Abbasah at the newsdesk on 02084773892 or email ann-marie.abbasah@archant.co.uk.