Bromley stabbing LIVE: Man fighting for life after 'machete attack' on high street leaves four in hospital

A man is in critical condition and three others in hospital after being stabbed in a knife attack in a KFC restaurant in south London.

The stabbings in Bromley High Street followed reports of a number of people being seen in the area carrying machetes.

Police confirmed they responded to reports of an “altercation” at around 2.15pm on Thursday.

They found the four men who had been stabbed and London Ambulance Service said they were all taken to hospital. One is in a critical condition.

Seven people have been arrested and remain in police custody.

Forensic officers and a crime scene photographer were later seen working inside and outside the KFC restaurant on the High Street and there were evidence markers on the floor.

The fast food chain confirmed a “serious incident” took place inside their restaurant.

Scroll down for the latest updates.

Live updates

Coverage resumes

The Standard is resuming its coverage of the stabbings in Bromley high street, which left a man critical in hospital and three others in hospital.

We’ll bring you updates as they happen.

'A man pulled out a machete and ran into KFC holding it up in the air,' eyewitness claims

An eyewitness told the BBC they saw a fight breaking out at the door of KFC, with the altercation involving people inside and outside.

"A male in a grey tracksuit pulled out a machete and ran further into KFC holding it up in the air, at which point most people around KFC started running away, including my friend and I,” they said.

"I didn't turn around until we got to the shopping centre where I saw him running away with someone down a road."

'A woman came in saying 'lock the doors'', local barbershop manager says

Barber George Ioannou, who manages the Antonio’s barber shop next to KFC said people were running into his shop to take cover.

He told The Sun: “A woman came in crying and saying, ‘Lock the doors’.

“She said there were people with machetes. I locked the door. She was very upset.”

KFC confirm 'serious incident' took place inside their restaurant on Bromley High Street

A KFC spokesperson confirmed a "serious incident" had taken place at its Bromley High Street restaurant and an altercation had begun there.

The company said it was assisting police and "supporting our team members and customers at this difficult time".

Tory mayoral hopeful James Cleverly reacts to stabbings

Former Home Secretary Sir James Cleverly, who is seeking to be the Tory candidate for Mayor of London, said: "'Bromley residents will be rightly worried about events on the High Street this afternoon.

"The police must be given the time, space, and backing to establish what has happened and bring the perpetrators to justice as swiftly as possible.

"In the meantime my thoughts are with those affected and their families.'

James Cleverly

PA

In Photos: Pictures show forensics and officers at the scene

Forensics and police officers have been pictured at the scene of a stabbing in Bromley.

Four men have been taken to hospital with injuries, including one who is in critical condition.

A police cordon has been put in place and officers remain at the scene offering support to members of the local community.

The scene in Bromley after four people were taken to hospital (James Manning/PA)

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The scene in Bromley after four people were taken to hospital following reports of a stabbing (James Manning/PA)

PA Wire

The scene after four people were stabbed on Bromley High Street

X/ @Vinnie_VdK

Forensic investigators on the scene in Bromley

PA

Fight reportedly broke out at KFC

Eyewitnesses, speaking to the Daily Mail, claim a fight broke out at KFC on Bromley High Street before spilling out into the street.

A witness described seeing “a lot of blood”.

A bus driver who arrived at the scene moments after the attack said the victims had been attacked with a “zombie knife”.

Forensic officers and a crime scene photographer were later seen working inside and outside the KFC restaurant on the High Street and there were evidence markers on the floor.

The fast food chain confirmed a “serious incident” took place inside their restaurant.

Police at the scene of the incident in Bromley (James Manning/PA)

PA Wire

Resident on the high street recalls huge police response

Vinnie Guadagnino, who lives on the high street, said he saw a huge police response to the incident with several cars and at least ten officers on foot.

He told the BBC: “Police cars kept coming, then within the next half hour there were multiple fire engines and people gathering.

“Then there was a drone overhead and helicopters and an air ambulance - so a massive emergency service response.”

What has the London Ambulance Service said?

Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service were called to reports of a stabbing on Bromley High Street at 2.19pm this afternoon.

Ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer, an advanced paramedic and London’s Air Ambulance were dispatched to the scene, the service said.

Four patients were treated at the scene and three of them were taken to hospital.

First picture from the scene

A picture of the aftermath of the stabbing has been shared online.

It shows police and members of the London Fire Brigade in attendance and a section of the high street cordoned off.

Bystanders stand at the police cordon as officers begin their investigation into the incident.