A 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital yesteday with two stab wounds to his leg after a large fight with machetes in Mitcham town centre.
Police and the London Ambulance Service were called to reports of a large fight involving youths with machetes in Montrose Gardens, Mitcham, at 3.45pm yesterday, Monday, May 23.
Dave Drewett, who works at Mitcham market said he heard reports the violence spilled from outside Barclays Bank to KFC, then onto Rayleigh Gardens.
His nephew was stuck in the ensuing traffic in the area yesterday where he saw police and paramedics and a man lying on the floor. He said he was told there was blood everywhere.
The injured teenager is described as being in a stable condition. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening or life changing.
FROM YESTERDAY: Mitcham town centre stabbing after 'fight' - victim hospitalised and two men arrested
Two 18-year-old men were arrested a short time later in London Road, Mitcham, and remain in custody.
A 24-hour 'exclusion zone' has been put in place around Mitcham town centre, from 4.30pm yesterday until 4.30pm today, Tuesday, May 24.
Police do not know what the motive was behind the attack, and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Mr Drewett said stabbings seem to be a regular occurance now.
He said: "Unfortunately it is a regular occurance in Mitcham now we are short of PCSOs. There are so many gangs hanging out outside the betting shops. It escalates.
"Unfortunately the area is deteriorating again."
Information can be reported by calling 101, and quoting the reference 5913/23MAY16.
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