PUBLICANS and bar owners in Muswell Hill have called for more police to patrol the streets at night after a spate of vicious attacks over the Easter weekend. A 22-year-old man suffered chest wounds after he was stabbed in Muswell Hill Bro

Charlotte Newton

PUBLICANS and bar owners in Muswell Hill have called for more police to patrol the streets at night after a spate of vicious attacks over the Easter weekend.

A 22-year-old man suffered chest wounds after he was stabbed in Muswell Hill Broadway at 1.45am on Saturday morning.

Witness Justin Martin has owned Cafe Loco - a tapas bar with a late licence in Muswell Hill Broadway - for five years.

The 33-year-old told the Broadway: "Two men got out of a car and stabbed a man who was standing on the opposite side of the road from Cafe Loco, about 300 yards away.

"He staggered across the road with blood gushing from his chest and collapsed on the pavement outside Cafe Loco.

"The doormen administered first aid. It's not a situation we've ever had to face before but we dealt with it as best we could.

"We need a bigger police presence in the early hours of the morning because there are four pubs in close proximity in Muswell Hill - where 1,000 people party each weekend. We must ensure that they can enjoy themselves without any hassle.

"I know it's easier said than done - but with people carrying knives around these days, we need more bobbies on the beat."

The victim is recovering in hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.

The suspect is described as a black, 25-year-old man. He was accompanied by another black man who was also in his 20s. They escaped in a VW Golf down Muswell Hill.

Police are interested in any details of the vehicle, the suspect and his associate. Anyone with any information is asked to call Tottenham CID on 020-8345 0835 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In a separate incident on Saturday night, another 22-year-old was taken to hospital after being glassed in the face. This incident happened at 12.55am. Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Thomas Dodds on 020-8345 0832 or call Crimestop-pers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bar owners met with police and councillors on Tuesday afternoon to discuss how they could improve safety for customers.

Chief Inspector Shaun De Souza Brady said: "As a partnership, we have been aware for some time of the increase in alcohol-related violence and disorder, not just in Muswell Hill but at other locations in the borough and across London.

"I have put in place a review of these issues by focussing on Muswell Hill initially and a meeting of stakeholders and partners will take place in the near future.

"The police alone cannot resolve this issue and it is inappropriate to apportion blame without looking at the detail behind the incidents. I hope that working together we will deliver a long-term solution to the issue."

In another violent incident at 12.30am last Monday, two masked robbers brandishing firearms gained entry to O'Neill's pub in Muswell Hill Broadway. They tied up a male worker and stole a quantity of cash. No shots were fired.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact DC Jane Fluckiger on 020-8345 0870 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

broadway@hamhigh.co.uk