The head of Redbridge Police has issued a plea for anyone who witnessed a stabbing outside Ilford train station on Thursday to come forward.

Borough commander Det Ch Supt Sue Williams said no arrests have been made following the attack, which shocked the local community.

The victim, in his 20s, had been shopping with a female friend when he was stabbed in the chest and arm outside the station in Cranbrook Road.

He was taken by ambulance to an east London hospital and survived the attack with injuries that are not life-changing.

Police had been called to the scene at 7.50pm to reports of a fight.

Mrs Williams said: “We don’t know why the attackers were as brazen as they were.

“They were clearly after this individual but we don’t know what the cause is.

“We are appealing for witnesses who saw anything between 7.30pm and 8pm in the area to come forward.

“We will take whatever action we can to bring these people to justice.”

Knife arches were set up at the train station on Friday to detect any weapons, resulting in one arrest for possession of a knife.

Police are looking for four suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call Ilford police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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