Police are investigating a serious assault reported on the Pollards Hill Estate yesterday evening.

Officers taped off the grass area at the back of the New Horizon Centre at about 4pm.

Lorraine Thorn, receptionist at the New Horizon Centre said: "There are a couple of people who have mentioned on Facebook that there was stabbing but that's all we know."

She said officers were still investigating at about 5pm when she left the community centre but didn't approach staff to ask if they had any information.

MPS Merton tweeted last night there was "a serious assault on Pollards estate", but have not given further details.

Reifka Jackson, who lives on the estate said: "I'm very concerned about the area. Ever since that Ladbrokes opened we have got lots of drug-dealing.

"It's very intimidating and you get up to eight of them you have to walk through. I never see police around here. They should re-open the police station down the road."

Ms Jackson, who works at a bookies in Thornton Heath, said she makes sure she gets names and dates of births of youngsters who come into her shop, so if anything happens she can report it.

She is concerned the same due process is not happing at the Ladbrokes in South Lodge Avenue.

Ahwasi Prempeh, who saw the police tape at 5pm on his way to work, said: "There are young boys hanging around all the time."

He said he didn't know what happened last night.

Councillor Martin Whelton, who represents Pollards Hill, said a public meeting with police is due to take place at the New Horizon Centre on Saturday, November 8.

He said: "People are rightfully fearful because this is the third incident there's been in a number of months and there was another stabbing incident on the edge of the area in Cedars Avenue.

"People really want answers in terms of how we can improve safety, tackle the issues of drug dealing and gangs of youths."

Do you know what happened? Are you concerned about safety in the area? Comment below, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk