Four men were injured after a stabbing incident on Bromley High Street in south-east London, with seven people arrested, according to the Metropolitan Police. One of the injured men remains in a critical condition in hospital, while the other three are being treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Emergency services were called to Bromley High Street at about 14:20 BST. Paramedics and the London Air Ambulance attended the scene after reports of a serious incident near a KFC restaurant. Police later confirmed that there was no wider threat to the public.
Machete Reported During Bromley Incident
The incident reportedly began with an altercation at the KFC restaurant on Bromley High Street. A spokesperson for KFC confirmed that a serious incident had taken place at the restaurant and said the company was assisting police.
One eyewitness said they saw a fight developing near the entrance to the restaurant. The witness also reported seeing a man carrying what appeared to be a machete before people began running away from the area.
According to the witness, the man later ran away from the restaurant with another person. Police have not publicly confirmed every detail of the eyewitness account.
Meanwhile, another witness described seeing a fight spill onto the High Street. Georgiana, who manages a nearby Merkur Slots shop, said she became concerned and locked three customers inside while waiting for the situation to settle.
Major Emergency Response in Bromley
The stabbing prompted a significant response from emergency services. Witnesses reported seeing numerous police vehicles, firefighters, an air ambulance and helicopters in the area.
Vinnie Guadagnino, who lives on Bromley High Street, said police vehicles continued arriving after the initial response. He also described seeing around 10 officers on foot, followed by several fire engines.
As the operation continued, a drone and helicopters were seen overhead. The London Air Ambulance was also deployed to help treat the injured.
Police cordons were placed around part of Bromley High Street as forensic officers examined the scene. The road was closed in both directions between Ringers Road and Ethelbert Road while officers continued their investigation.
Police Say There Is No Wider Threat
Despite the scale of the emergency response, police said they did not believe there was a wider threat to members of the public.
Seven people have been arrested in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to establish exactly what happened and how the four men sustained their injuries.
Peter Fortune, Conservative MP for Bromley and Biggin Hill, said residents would understandably have concerns following the incident. He said he would remain in contact with police during the investigation.
Liberal Democrat councillor Graeme Casey also praised the response from emergency services. He said the rapid deployment of police and other blue-light services had provided a strong response during a difficult situation.
Witnesses Describe Shock on High Street
Other witnesses described the confusion and fear that followed the incident.
Matias Alil said he saw a large commotion around the KFC restaurant. He described the scene as frightening and said people were trying to understand what was happening.
Fergal Hickey said the police appeared to have the situation under control. However, he added that seeing such an incident unfold in the area was still shocking.
For now, Bromley High Street remains affected by the police operation as investigators continue gathering evidence. The arrests and injuries mark a serious incident in the south-east London town centre, but authorities have stressed that there is no indication of a wider threat to the public.
