Suspected shoplifter arrested after man stabbed in Exchange Ilford shopping centre

A suspected shoplifter has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a member of the public inside the Exchange Ilford shopping centre in High Road, Ilford this afternoon.

A police officer had approached a man he suspected of shoplifting from Clinton Cards outside the store at around 4.20pm.

The suspect allegedly pulled a knife on the officer and then stabbed a passer-by in the forearm.

The victim’s injuries were described as “not life-threatening” by a police spokesman.

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said two ambulances were called to the scene and two patients were treated and taken to hospital.

There are currently no further details of the suspect who has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and shoplifting.

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