Walthamstow stabbing: Teenagers arrested after attack on elderly shopkeeper in East London

The 70-year-old was knifed as he brandished a shop sign in a bid to defend himself

(Metropolitan Police)

Two teenage boys and a 20-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the stabbing of an elderly shopkeeper.

The 70 year old was knifed as he brandished a shop sign in a bid to defend himself during the attempted robbery in Walthamstow, east London, on Sunday.

The two 14 year olds and the man were arrested on Tuesday and have been taken to an east London police station for questioning.

Police are still appealing for information after the attempted raid on the shop in Carr Road.

Officers were called at around 9.10pm by the London Ambulance Service and found the victim with a number of stab wounds.

He is in hospital in a serious but stable condition, Scotland Yard said.

CCTV footage of the incident shows the shopkeeper being attacked by three assailants as he tries to defend himself while they attempt to rob the store.

A customer is seen using a stool to protect against the hooded and masked attackers.

Another customer and the shopkeeper's wife were also in the store at the time.

Three suspects were seen to leave the premises immediately after the stabbing.

They wore dark tracksuit bottoms and dark jackets with hoods. One man had a grey hooded top underneath a black "puffa" style jacket.

Detective Sergeant Ben Voss of Waltham Forest CID said: "This was a violent attack on a pensioner who was trying to run his shop.

"The assailants used an extreme level of violence against elderly man who was trying to defend himself, his wife, customers and business.

"The attack could have resulted in tragic consequences but luckily the victim is now recovering in hospital.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information on who was responsible to contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information regarding this stabbing is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Press Association