A terrifying scene unfolded on the evening of Saturday, March 22, 2025, when a group of over 50 youths armed with knives and machetes stormed a school birthday party in Havering, Essex.
The shocking incident at Elm Park Primary School saw panicked schoolchildren fleeing for their lives, while police rushed to the scene to restore order.
The Attack and Aftermath
The chaos began around 9 PM when the gang gatecrashed a 16th birthday celebration, launching an unprovoked knife attack that left two victims injured.
A 16-year-old and a 19-year-old were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The violent altercation, which reportedly involved a number of teenagers, continued until approximately 11 PM.
As officers attempted to control the situation, tensions escalated, with the group turning aggressive towards the police.
Three teenagers were arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers, and several officers were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Desperate Attempts to Escape
In newly released footage, the desperation of the situation is clear as dozens of terrified teens are seen sprinting down the street in an attempt to escape the violence.
Police officers, some accompanied by dogs, worked urgently to disperse the crowd and restore order in the area.
The streets were lit up with flashing blue lights as officers chased the youths, many of whom were seen dropping weapons in people’s driveways as they fled.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Mayhem
Local residents who witnessed the disturbing scenes described the event as absolute chaos.
One resident reported seeing between 40-50 youths running through the streets, many believed to be carrying knives.
The situation escalated as the youths began attacking police officers, forcing the authorities to scramble to contain the disorder.
Some bystanders reported seeing weapons dropped in residential driveways, and there were ongoing fights even as the group scattered.
The Attack Spreads to the Train
The violence didn’t end at the school hall. A mother revealed that her 15-year-old daughter was also attacked by the same gang on a train after fleeing the party.
According to the mother, the security at the event was inadequate, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control.
Her daughter was left hospitalized after being attacked by the youths who followed her onto the train, where more fighting ensued.
The mother added that over 100 youths were on the train, continuing their violent behavior while also engaging in dangerous activities like inhaling gas from balloons.
Police Statement and Investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to Calbourne Avenue shortly after 9 PM on the night of the incident, responding to reports of a fight involving a large group of teenagers.
Officers arrived to find themselves facing a violent crowd that became increasingly hostile.
Three youths were arrested, and two individuals—one 16 years old and the other 19—sustained injuries from the knife attack and were hospitalized.
Their injuries were not life-threatening, and they continue to assist police with their investigations.
The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Ongoing Investigation
The violence at Elm Park Primary School is still under investigation, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this terrifying night.
The community, still reeling from the attack, is left questioning how such a large group of youths was able to cause such destruction and whether more can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.