Woman ‘played dead’ to escape man who stabbed her in London park toilets

Victim remains in serious but stable condition in hospital

The stabbing happened in Little Ilford Park, Newham (Google Streetview)

A woman “played dead” to escape a knifeman who stabbed her in a London park, according to the family who called emergency services.

Following the violent attack in Newham, east London, the 18-year-old victim knocked on a nearby door to seek help.

The family, who had been watching television, brought her inside and looked after her.

One family member applied pressure to her wounds with tea towels, while another called 999.

After the police arrived, the victim, who has not been named, was able to give them details about her attacker.

The 18-year-old remains in a serious but stable condition at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

One member of the family told the Evening Standard: “The paramedics said if it wasn’t for us, she would be dead.”

The father said: “She told us she lay down on the floor and played dead until he left.”

He added that the knife wound was only centimetres from the main artery in her neck.

A 21-year-old man was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of attempt murder and remains in custody.

Detectives are still appealing for witnesses to come forward with information regarding the attack, which took place in Dore Avenue just before 6pm on Monday.