Dozens of terrified teenagers fled a school birthday party when it was gatecrashed by a gang of youths brandishing knives. Two teenagers were thought to have been stabbed after more than 50 youths armed with knives and machetes descended on the school hall celebration, according to reports.

Shocking footage showed the moment dozens of children fled Elm Park Primary School’s Hall, in Havering, Essex, as the thugs at the back of the room held weapons above their heads. Police rushed to the scene just after 9pm on Saturday, with the fighting allegedly lasting until 11pm before three teens were arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers.

Two male teens, aged 16 and 19, sustained suspected knife injuries, police said.

A local resident told the Havering Daily: “It was total chaos. We saw between 40-50 youths, running through the streets.

“We think they had knives as they were seen dropping weapons in people's drive ways and running away.

“They were attacking the police and there were so many of them that the police had to just disperse them. We couldn't believe what we saw. They were all aged 16 and over and they were not from here.

“Our road is normally so quiet, things like this don't happen here. This is why we are all so shocked at what has happened.

“We saw the police running after the youths, but due to the large number of them, the only choice they had was to disperse them.”

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called shortly after 21:00hrs on Saturday, 22 March to reports of a fight involving a group on Calbourne Avenue, Hornchurch. Officers attended before engaging with a number of teenagers who became aggressive toward them.

"Three teenagers were arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault on emergency workers. They were taken to an East London police station. They were bailed to return for questioning later. The officers were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service medics and do not require hospital treatment.

"Separately, two individuals, including a 16-year old male and a 19-year old male sustained suspected knife injuries and were taken to hospital where their injuries were deemed neither life changing nor life threatening. They continue to assist police with their enquiries. An investigating into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 6940/22March. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to our dedicated appeal page.