Police today stepped up patrols in Edmonton in north London amid fears a knifeman behind a string of random stabbings on strangers may have struck again.

The latest victim, a man in his 30s, is fighting for life in hospital after being knifed in the back at 5am on Tuesday.

He collapsed in Aberdeen Road, the scene of the first of four attacks over the weekend which left two people critically injured.

A man in his 30s was arrested in connection with today's attack and is being held in custody, Scotland Yard said.

Police are keeping an "open mind" as to whether all five are linked.

They earlier issued a description of the suspect as being a tall, skinny black man, wearing a hoody - matching the description from the earlier attacks.

However, his victim was walking with a companion when he was attacked, unlike the previous targets who have all been alone. His friend was not injured.

Two people arrested in connection with the bloodshed remain in custody today. Neither has been charged.

Scotland Yard today urged people in Edmonton to be vigilant as extra uniform patrols were being deployed.

Timeline of the north London stabbings Saturday, March 30 7.02pm: A 45-year-old woman is stabbed in the back in Aberdeen Road, N18. She is taken to hospital in a critical condition. Sunday, March 31 0.15am: A man is stabbed in Park Avenue, N18. He is taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 3.55am: A 23-year-old man is stabbed in Silver Street, N18. He is found at Seven Sisters Tube station and was taken to hospital, where his condition is described as critical but stable. 9.43am: A man is stabbed in the back in Brettenham, N18 Road. He is taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening but potentially life-changing.



Tuesday, April 2

5.05am: Police called to Aberdeen Road where they found a man in his 30s stabbed. He was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition

Mike Kalongi, 28, who lives near the scene of the stabbing, said: “It’s getting a bit close.

“It’s a bit scary. I usually go to the gym at night, but over the last few days I decided not to.

“I’m going shopping. I usually have my headphones on but I want to stay aware and try not to be a victim.

“It’s scary. It’s really scary.”

Schools in the local area have increased security and children are being restricted from leaving premises during breaks and lunchtime.

Marueen Cobbett, head teacher of Latymer school, told parents in an email: "in response to the situation in Edmonton at the weekend, it is important that all students feel safe and secure in the school grounds and for this reason the school has a lockdown procedure in place.

"For precautionary purposes students are not allowed to leave the school premises during break-time and lunchtime until further notice.

"Students should bring their own food to eat; they will not be able to order food or leave the building to purchase food."

Students were told to stay in groups, stick to main roads, and not listen to music or talk on their phones when walking."

Detective Superintendent Luke Marks, of the North Area Command Unit, said: “I am aware that events from the weekend have caused a huge amount of worry and concern among the community, and that this incident will cause further alarm.

“While at this stage the incident has not yet been formally linked, the location and manner of this attack will be of concern to the public.

“Our advice continues that that public to remain vigilant, and to contact police regarding anyone acting suspiciously. You will see additional uniformed patrols in the Edmonton area, if you have any concerns, please speak with my officers immediately.”

Scotland Yard said that the two men arrested on suspicion of GBH remained in custody after officers were given extensions to interview them into Tuesday.

One, a man believed to be in his 40s, was arrested at a home in Edmonton and the other was arrested in Fore Street.

The Metropolitan Police said a 45-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man remained in a critical condition in hospital on Monday night.

A Section 60 order was put in place to allow officers in Edmonton to stop and search anyone to prevent further violence.

Police said there is nothing to suggest the incidents were terror related.

The suspect in the weekend attacks was described as a black man, approximately 6ft 3ins tall, of skinny build and wearing dark clothing.

The 45-year-old woman became the first victim when she was stabbed once in her back at about 7pm on Saturday in Aberdeen Road.

The final attack occurred at about 9.40am on Sunday in Brettenham Road where officers found a 29-year-old man with a stab injury to the back.