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A large part of Purley town centre is cordoned off tonight amid reports of multiple stabbings.

Police have confirmed that a victim was stabbed in the hand at Purley train station at about 9.30pm.

But there are unconfirmed reports that there was at least one other stabbing on the High Street and possibly others.

Police cordons are reported to be in High Street, Russell Hill, Brighton Road and the station forecourt.

Buses are having to turn around when they get to the cordon on Brighton Road.

A witness told MyLondon: "The whole road [has been] closed with about 10 police cars. There was a stabbing on the High Street and then a stabbing at the station.

"We were told they were both linked. We had to leave Pizza Express out of the back door."

The violence is believed to have taken place at about 9.30pm.

Writing on the My South London Facebook page, Daniel Scott-Drysdale said: "Just driven through there and the police/ambulances etc are all over the place, on the main road and down the alley behind the shops behind the Pear Tree etc. The main road is cordoned off."

Keith Eddowes added: "We live outside where it happened ... [a] blue tent is going up."

MyLondon is awaiting an update from police on the second reported stabbing and we will bring you more details as soon as we have them.

Writing on the MyLondon Facebook page, Maria Dhillon said: "My boyfriend witnessed the stabbing on the High Street.

"It looked quite bad, I just hope the poor guy is OK."



Jade Christelow added: "We live by the train station, I took the dog out and was shocked by the traffic! Continued walking and was told there was a stabbing at the station so I continued round the corner and all the High Street was shut off and I was told to turn around by an officer."

At about 11.30pm a forensics team are reported to have arrived at Purley train station, while a blue tent has been erected at the scene.

Some people are not able to leave their homes as a result of all the cordons, while others have been unable to get back into their homes.

Charlie Reeves told MyLondon: "I was here when it all happened and also spoke to an officer at the scene who confirmed there were four or five stabbings."

Reacting to the violence, Amber Cannon said: "I used to live above the shop on this road for eight years and have never known any kind of stabbing but Purley has gone downhill since. What is this world coming to?"