Police were called at 4pm on Saturday to reports of a stabbing in Charlemont Road, Newham.A 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a life-threatening condition.

Four of the boys – who are aged 14-17 – remain in custody and one has been released on bail.

Detective Inspector Joshua Palmer, from Metropolitan Police, said: “This was a horrific attack on a teenager, witnessed by numerous members of the public.At this very early stage of the investigation, there doesn’t appear to be an obvious motive for the attack.