A street safety protest earlier this year

MUMS who live near Essex Road said they have been left worried and scared for their children after a 17-year-old was stabbed in the early hours of Wednesday.

Police were called to the scene at just past midnight after reports of a fight between several men.

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service, who treated the teenager for stab wounds before taking him to hospital. He remains there with life-threatening injuries.

Meanwhile, a separate 17-year-old boy self-presented to hospital with stab wounds earlier in the evening, and officers believe he too had been assaulted on Essex Road.

Sinead Masterson, who led the “Mum Squad” last year as they campaigned for more police on the streets after a number of their children were robbed at knifepoint, said that parents were growing concerned as the nights became darker.

She told the Tribune: “Everyone is still worried and scared. It’s been almost a year since we first campaigned. I was so worried that it might have been someone’s child that I knew that this had happened to. Everyone says that it’s typical that this is happening when the winter months are coming up.”

Ms Masterson added: “My eldest is 17 in two months, literally his age, which is really frightening.”

Police tape in Essex Road

Jennifer Obaseki, a mum-of-five who lives on Essex Road, said the double stabbing had sparked concern in the community.

She told the Tribune: “Us as mums are very apprehensive, especially as the seasons change. There used to be a gentleman who sold flowers and coffee and he was killed on the same stretch of street not long ago.”

Ms Obaseki, who also runs Islington Street Association that sets up neighbourhood hubs and activities for children, added: “This has been a big wake-up call in many ways, to show that we have to be more vigilant and we can’t be comfortable. We have to be mindful about where our kids are.”

A group of mums, whose children attend Central Foundation School in Old Street, have continually called on the police to put more officers on the street.

“I think it would be a massive deterrent,” said Ms Masterson.

“When it was being publicised more, last November and December, they got more police on the streets and it did act as a massive deterrent. The change was very obvious.”

She added: “The police don’t follow through with anything. It’s all gone quiet now, and it feels like there’s a lot more worry.

“We’re all asking where have our bobbies gone. There should be that presence, that deterrent, that beacon of comfort. Police have said that there will be an increased presence and that will be welcomed.”

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said: “No arrests have been made at this stage and a crime scene remains in place. We understand the concern this has caused in the community and people can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.”

They added: “An investigation has been launched and anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 14/15OCT25. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”