Terrified residents around Regent’s Park, one of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods, have described their area as a “no-go zone” following a violent incident in which a car ploughed into a crowd during a knife fight. The brawl, which erupted outside the London Central Mosque on Park Road, NW8, left one man with stab wounds and caused significant alarm in the local community. Despite the severity of the attack, the injured man’s wounds were not considered life-threatening, a police spokesman confirmed.

The chaotic confrontation unfolded in broad daylight on Saturday afternoon, bringing traffic to a standstill as National Express coaches, London buses, and other vehicles were forced to halt. Footage of the incident shows a group of men engaged in a frenzied fight, with witnesses reporting the presence of knives. The situation escalated dramatically when a car suddenly drove into the brawling group, hitting two men. One of the injured was then further attacked with a knife and repeatedly kicked while attempting to escape. Police arrived swiftly, arresting three men aged 22, 27, and 30 on suspicion of attempted murder and affray. They were later released on bail as investigations continue.

Local mosque workers described the area as increasingly dangerous, with violent incidents reportedly taking place on a weekly basis. Ahmed Ali, a security guard at the mosque who witnessed the attack, described the scene as a "bloodbath" and suggested the incident may have stemmed from a "love rivalry." He said, "It was like a scene from a movie. There was violence everywhere… It is a miracle he survived." Another mosque worker lamented the frequency of attacks and rising tensions, noting that the area had become a "no-go zone," exacerbated by racial tensions and knife crime. The worker added, "It was like a professional hit… London is out of control."

Residents echoed those concerns about safety in what is generally regarded as one of London’s most prestigious and expensive districts. Zaheer Khan, who recently moved into a nearby flat renting at around £3,000 per month, expressed fear after witnessing the violence from his window. "I thought the lad was going to die," he said, underscoring the shock and unease permeating the community.

This incident, while particularly dramatic, is part of a broader pattern of knife-related violence in London and other parts of the UK. Similar events have recently occurred at community gatherings and public spaces, raising ongoing concerns over public safety and policing. For example, a large knife fight at a party in Hornchurch earlier in the year led to multiple arrests and injuries, reflecting the challenges in managing youth violence and the role of social media in escalating conflicts. Meanwhile, other violent events, such as spontaneous clashes and stabbings in central London parks, have highlighted the volatile nature of some public gatherings.

The use of a vehicle as a weapon in this attack also draws parallels to past incidents where cars have been driven into crowds during violent episodes, such as the tragic Nottingham attacks in 2023. That earlier case, which resulted in multiple fatalities, triggered debates about security and the prevention of such violent outbursts.

Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information about the Regent’s Park attack to come forward, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in tackling knife crime and violent offences. The latest arrests serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal disputes, public safety, and violence in urban areas, even those traditionally considered safe.

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Source: Noah Wire Services