Shoppers horrified as boy, 16, stabbed at Argos in ‘e-scooter row’ as security guard runs from store ‘covered in blood’

ARGOS shoppers watched in terror after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in a retail park in a suspected e-scooter row.

Stunned onlookers stared as a hero security guard sprinted from the Argos Extra store while "covered in blood" at the Merrielands Retail Park in Dagenham, London.

The guard had rushed from the B&M next door in a frantic bid to use his first aid training to help the schoolboy after the attack shortly before 6pm yesterday.

The store was swiftly "put into lockdown" by police, who confirmed the boy's condition is not life-threatening or life-changing.

No arrests have been made.

It is understood the attack happened after a row about an e-scooter, but it remains unclear whether the knifing took place inside the Argos or on the street just outside.

An ambulance crew was sent to the scene while, two paramedics in fast response cars and an advanced paramedic also attended.

• Were you at the scene of the stabbing? Email jemma.carr@mcb777.site

A cordon was in place last night but had been removed by this morning.  All shops in the retail park were open as normal today.

A worker at a nearby store, who did not want to be named, described the shocking scenes: "A security guard from B&M came out of Argos with his hands covered in blood as he tried to help him. He did the best he could.

"When I asked what happened he said, 'someone has been stabbed'. He was in complete shock and was not really talking that much."

The employee said no-one else tried to help the teen and he branded the security guard a "hero".

"When there is that much blood it takes a lot to jump and help someone straight away.

"He did his best while everyone else just stood there and watched. He is a temporary security guard who is there when others are on holiday.

'COVERED IN BLOOD'

"I don't talk to him much or know him well, but he seems like a nice and down to earth person. He is polite and we say hello to each other.''

Another employee at a nearby store said: "I did not see the incident, but I did hear all the police, ambulance and the paramedics come. We only found out what happened after Halfords closed.

Argos would only confirm that the store closed last night due to an "incident".
A spokesman said: "We can confirm that our Argos Merrielands store closed early yesterday evening following an incident. The store reopened as usual this morning."

A Met Police spokesman said: "Police were called to Merrielands Crescent, Dagenham, at 17.45hrs on Monday, 25 October by London Ambulance Service to reports of stabbing.

"Officers attended. A 16-year-old boy was found with stab wounds.

"He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital.  His condition is not life-threatening or life-changing.

"There have been no arrests. A crime scene has been put in place.

"Enquiries continue."

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman added: "We were called at 5.34pm yesterday (25 October) to reports of a stabbing in Merrielands Crescent, Dagenham.

"We sent an ambulance crew, two paramedics in fast response cars and an advanced paramedic to the scene.

"We treated a teenager for several wounds to his body and took him to a major trauma centre as a priority."

An Argos spokesperson said: "We can confirm that our Argos Merrielands store closed early yesterday evening following an incident.

"The store reopened as usual this morning."