Thirty-nine people arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a New Year's Eve stabbing have been released from custody.

A man in his 30s was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after the incident in Fulham Palace Road in Hammersmith, west London, the Metropolitan Police said.

The suspects were arrested at a property near the scene and taken into custody at several police stations.

Image: A man, believed to be in his 30s, was the victim

Superintendent Mark Lawrence said: "Whilst it is unusual for so many people to be arrested in the early stages of an investigation such as this, due to a lack of cooperation and the necessity of securing essential evidence following a serious assault, this action was appropriate."

Two knives were recovered close to the scene, a spokesman added.


Police said on Tuesday morning that 20 males and 15 females, aged between 16 and 22, were released under investigation.

Two 18-year-old men and two boys aged 16 and 17 were released on bail.

Police were called to reports of a stabbing shortly before 1am.

Supt Lawrence added: "What appears to have been a minor argument has resulted in a man sustaining life-threatening injuries.

"Officers were quickly on the scene and provided him with first aid prior to the arrival of our colleagues in the London Ambulance Service."

The man is in a stable condition in hospital.