Police chief offers reassurance after Chafford stabbings in latest Lakeside area gang incident

By Nub News Reporter

19th Jul 2024 | Local News

POLICE are continuing to investigate a serious incident that took place close to Chafford Hundred rail station last evening - with at least two people receiving stab wounds in what is reported to be a gang fight.

A statement from Essex Police says: "We're investigating a serious incident at Chafford Hundred train station which was reported to us by a number of members of the public at about 8.15pm last night, Thursday 18 July.

"Initial reports suggested a group of people had been involved in a fight, some of whom had been armed, and that a number of people had been stabbed.

"Two people have subsequently been located with injuries which are thankfully not considered to be life-threatening.

"At this stage, no arrests have been made and we're pursuing a number of targeted lines of enquiry.

"Although the investigation is in its early stages, we believe this to be an isolated incident, with no wider threat to the public.

"We have taken witness statements from a number of people at the scene, and we would ask anyone who has not yet spoken to us to about the incident to please come forward."

Thurrock District Commander Chief Inspector Tony Atkin adds: "First and foremost, I would like to thank the members of the public who alerted us to this incident, which I'm sure will have been extremely unpleasant to witness.

"The incident will naturally cause concern among our community.

"To reassure our residents, it is clear to us that this incident does not present a wider threat to the people of Thurrock or visitors to Lakeside.

"At this stage, the investigation is progressing at pace, and I would encourage anyone with information on this incident to please come forward and speak to us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.