Shocking footage has emerged showing a gang of masked teenagers attacking each other with machetes in a family park in broad daylight. The violent brawl took place at Burgess Park in Camberwell, south-east London, on Sunday morning.
Details of the Attack
The video, filmed by terrified locals and later posted on social media with the caption 'This is London,' shows three teenagers wielding machetes. One boy is seen restraining another on the ground while a knifeman repeatedly attempts to stab him. A bystander eventually intervenes, forcing the two attackers to flee. The restrained teen then escapes on a scooter.
One onlooker was heard shouting 'stab him' as the armed teenagers fought. The footage captures a teen trying to stab another, who retaliates by slashing back. A third masked boy holds down an opponent, allowing the knifeman to attempt multiple stabbings.
Police Response and Arrests
The Metropolitan Police confirmed four teenagers have been arrested. A spokesperson said: 'Police were called at around 12:30hrs on Sunday, 17 May to reports of an altercation in Burgess Park, Camberwell. Officers attended and searched the area with the assistance of the police helicopter.'
The arrested individuals, aged 16 and 17, were taken into custody on suspicion of affray, causing grievous bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon. Three were arrested near the scene, while a fourth was apprehended later that evening. Two of the boys sustained injuries that were not life-threatening: a 17-year-old presented himself at a hospital for treatment and was later arrested at a property in Southwark, while a 16-year-old was taken to hospital by police and discharged. All four remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Rising Crime Concerns
The incident is the latest in a series of violent episodes in London, where crime rates have surged since Sir Sadiq Khan became Labour mayor in 2016, despite his assertions that the capital is a 'safe city.' In March, Khan boasted that homicide rates were at record lows and highlighted a decline in phone-snatching incidents. However, data reveals significant increases in other crimes since 2016.
- Theft from the person has risen by 140%, from 35,570 in 2016/17 to 85,465 in 2025/26, peaking at 101,053 in 2024/25.
- Sexual offences have increased by 55%, from 17,491 to 27,074 over the same period.
- Drug offences have climbed 34%, from 40,652 to 54,291.
- Violence against the person has surged by 27%, with 51,086 additional incidents, from 191,691 to 242,777.
The Metropolitan Police urge anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting CAD 3298/17MAY, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
