18-year-old is the fourth person to be stabbed in the area in the past three weeks

An 18-year-old man has become the latest victim of youth violence in north Westminster after he was stabbed by a group of 12 people on Harrow Road on Thursday night.

The man was involved in an altercation with a group of between eight and 12 people at the junction of Harrow Road and Third Avenue at about 7.55pm.

He was taken to hospital where he received treatment for stab wounds and was later discharged.

Members of the group are believed to have fled up and over the Half Penny steps on Harrow Road and over the canal into North Kensington.

Detective Sergeant Tom Haines, of Westminster Serious Violence Team, said: “This incident involved a big group and there may have been people nearby who saw or heard something or remember seeing a big group in the area.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who may be able to provide us with information about what happened.”

The incident follows a number of violent attacks in north Westminster in recent weeks including three teenage stabbings, one assault and a 12-year-old who was bottled.

North Westminster MP Karen Buck has described the situation as having reached “crisis proportions”.

Anyone with information is asked to call Westminster Serious Violence Team on 020 7321 9314/5 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.