A police officer was injured by a 15-year-old boy as he tried to arrest him in a Dagenham pub last night

The struggle ensued after the teenager was recognised as a suspect in the stabbing of an 18-year-old in Rainham Road North earlier in the evening.

Officers had been called at about 5.35pm to reports of a group of males, one armed with a baseball bat, in Venables Close, Dagenham, near Wantz Library.

No-one was found in the area but it was later discovered that a victim, aged 18, was taken to an east London hospital suffering stab wounds and assault injuries. It is understood he was attacked by two males near the Wantz Library.

Officers attempted to detain the 15-year-old suspect at the Three Travellers pub in Wood Lane at about 7.25pm.

During a tussle, one officer hurt his hand and was taken to hospital.

The 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of GBH and assault on police and taken into custody at an east London police station, where he currently remains.

A further three people - a 21-year-old woman and two men aged 22 - were arrested on suspicion of obstructing police, assault on police and perverting the course of justice.

They were also taken into custody at an east London police station where they currently remain.

Trident Gang Crime Command detectives are investigating the incident and enquiries continue.

Any witnesses or anyone with information can call police via 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org