Officers seek West Ham mob who stabbed dad

By John Hill on August 28, 2009 11:19 AM |

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Newham officers are on the hunt for a mob who stabbed a father outside Upton Park as trouble flared at this week's West Ham vs Millwall match.

The 43-year-old Millwall fan is in a stable condition in hospital following the attack, which also saw the group aim punches and kicks at his two teenage sons.

Officers arrested 13 people on Tuesday night as bottles and bricks were hurled outside the ground, while three separate pitch invasions disrupted events on the pitch. While no arrests have as yet been made in relation to the stabbing, Newham's Violent Crime Unit are looking for information and witnesses.

The victim arrived at Upton Park to watch the game with his family, which numbered ten people including his 17 and 18-year-old sons. The Millwall fans reportedly headed to the wrong entrance, and were met by a large group of West Ham fans as they made their way to the correct gate.

The mob pursued them along Tudor Road, and proceed to punch and kick the man and his two sons after separating them from the rest of the family. The man was then separated from his sons as the attack continued, and he sustained a single stab wound to the chest.

As the group fled in various directions, the victim made his way through the alleyway at the end of Tudor Road and collapsed by the Priory Road bus garage. He was discovered by his sons, who called police to the scene at 8.03pm.

He was taken to an east London hospital. His sons did not require hospital treatment as they were not seriously injured.

Investigating officer DI Lee Barnard said: "This incident was not a pre-arranged act of violence between two sets of rival supporters; this was an innocent family man who was subjected to a senseless attack by people intent on causing violence.

"Although the family were not wearing any clothing that would identify them as Millwall supporters, their direction of travel may have indicated that they were.

"The victim was subjected to a brutal and sustained attack as he and his family tried to flee to safety. If not for the swift intervention of paramedics, the man would have lost his life.

"I urge anyone who witnessed this attack, or has information that can assist this investigation, to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Violent Crime Unit at Plaistow Police Station on 0207 2755851, or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.