FIVE men have been charged with the horrific stabbings which left two youths hospitalised and plunged Bromley town centre into chaos.

The night of terror on July 14 began when a 17-year-old received multiple stab wounds in what was believed to be an unprovoked attack on the High Street.

A man who rushed to his aid was then stabbed in the back of the head leaving the pavements stained with blood and party-goers fleeing in fear.

Police were immediately alerted to the scene and a chase involving a number of officers ensued through the high street.

Four men were arrested near to the Churchill Theatre and a fifth man was later arrested as a result of enquiries.

One of the victims was rushed to Bromley Hospital where he was placed on the critical list. He recovered and was released a week later.

Having mobilised an enquiries team, detectives staged a number of ID parades which led to the charges.

Leading the investigation, Detective Sergeant Richard Morley said: "This has been a thorough investigation and officers have worked meticulously to establish what went on that night.

"Due to the complexity of the case we had a number of enquiries to pursue and as a product of those enquiries we have charged five men.

"These were particularly nasty attacks and we were all surprised by the level of violence involved."

An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I'm glad charges have finally been brought against these guys.

"These were horrific attacks which frightened the lives out of town-goers.

"People were stood around crying in disbelief and were generally petrified by what they had seen.

"The men responsible for this should be taken off the streets as they are a grave danger to the public.

"One of the victims was lucky to survive and we could easily be talking about a murder case here."

Peter Bailey, 18, from Eltham, Robert Hart, 18, and Lee Hart, 19, from Streatham, John Carthy, 18, from Wandsworth and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are all charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and violent disorder.

October 5, 2001 12:58

Matt Bamsey