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Three young men are currently in hospital following a violent stabbing that unfolded on Station Parade, near Willesden Green Underground Station in northwest London, late last night. The shocking event, which saw emergency services rapidly respond, underscores the escalating concerns about the pervasive issue of knife crime plaguing the UK, with similar acts of violence increasingly occurring in public spaces.
Police were alerted to multiple reports of a stabbing around 9:00 PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in the bustling area adjacent to the Central Masjid of Brent. Two 21-year-old men and a 20-year-old man sustained stab injuries and were immediately transported for medical treatment. A 20-year-old woman, who reported breathing difficulties, declined medical attention at the scene. The full extent of the men's injuries is not yet known.
While the incident occurred in close proximity to the mosque, the Metropolitan Police have been quick to confirm that there is no direct connection to the place of worship or any religious motivation behind the attack.
A spokesperson for the Met Police stated, "There are no concerns about any impact to the wider community," and clarified that initial social media reports of a corrosive substance being thrown were unfounded.
This particular incident, although not religiously motivated according to authorities, contributes to a broader pattern of rising knife violence across the UK, which has led to tragic consequences for numerous communities. While specific data on knife attacks near mosques isn't routinely separated, there have unfortunately been instances of violence in areas adjacent to religious sites in recent years, sometimes exacerbating community tensions even when the acts themselves are not religiously driven. For example, in July 2024, violent clashes erupted outside a mosque in Southport following a mass stabbing incident, fuelled by false rumours and far-right protests, despite police confirming no direct religious link to the initial attack. Similarly, a prayer leader was stabbed at the London Central Mosque in February 2020, an act for which the perpetrator was jailed, though police confirmed it was not terror-related.
The surge in knife crime has become a critical national issue. Latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal a persistent increase in police-recorded offences involving a knife or sharp instrument across England and Wales. London, in particular, remains a significant hotspot for such crimes, with the Metropolitan Police Service recording a substantial proportion of these offences. ONS data for the year ending December 2024 shows offences involving knives or sharp instruments increased by 2% to 54,587 offences, compared with the previous year. The Met Police recorded 16,789 knife offences in 2024, accounting for almost a third of the country's total.
The area around Station Parade was cordoned off for several hours as forensic officers meticulously gathered evidence. Specialist CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) responders were initially deployed as a precautionary measure but were later stood down after it was confirmed no chemical agents were involved.
As investigations continue, no arrests have yet been made in connection with the Willesden Green stabbing. The Metropolitan Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist their enquiries. Witnesses or anyone with relevant details are urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 8601/22Jun, or to provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
