Two boys knifed as 40 youths brawl at 16th birthday party

A boy of 16 was in a critical condition today after he was stabbed in a fight involving more than 40 youths during a house party in east London.

The boy suffered injuries to his chest and a 15-year-old was knifed in the leg in the brawl in East Ham. More than 60 people attended the house party, believed to be for a 16th birthday.

Witnesses said a fight involving about 15 party-goers started in the street before continuing inside the house. Residents reported seeing at least 40 youths run inside from the back garden and said they heard loud screams.

The confrontation then continued in the streets surrounding the house.

The 16-year-old was found with serious stab wounds and taken to an east London hospital. The 15-year-old was discharged after treatment.

Police were called to the disturbance in Neatscourt Road, which spread to Dove Approach and All Hallows Road shortly after 9pm on Saturday. One witness, who did not want to be named, said: "It was a huge fight. I heard shouting and there was about 15 of them having a really loud argument in the street.

"All of them rushed back inside the house and then before I knew what was going on, about 40 people who were in the back garden ran inside shouting. I could hear girls screaming and it sounded like there was a really bad fight going on.

"Then more of them came out and started chasing each other around the streets."

Another resident said: "We all believe that it was gang-related. The police have been asking us if the youths were wearing red or green, which are the colours that two of the biggest gangs in the area wear."

Police said both teenagers were stabbed in Dove Approach and the suspects, described as black teenagers, then ran off. Anyone with information should call police on 020 7275 5881 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.