A TEENAGER miraculously survived a violent knife attack where he was surrounded by a gang and stabbed five times in the chest. He was taken to hospital by emergency helicopter as paramedics thought his horrific injuries were life threatening. Around eight

A TEENAGER miraculously survived a violent knife attack where he was surrounded by a gang and stabbed five times in the chest.

He was taken to hospital by emergency helicopter as paramedics thought his horrific injuries were life threatening.

Around eight boys and girls aged 15 - 18 attacked the terrified teenager in the early hours of the morning on Sunday February 1.

The 18-year-old had just been dropped off in Weston Road, Dagenham, by his friend when the group of youths confronted him.

His friend, a 17-year-old from Romford, bravely tried to intervene and help the victim but was also attacked by the gang.

Families living in Weston Road say they were woken by the sounds of fighting and shouting in the middle of the night.

The knifing happened just outside Fred Tibble Court, sheltered housing for elderly people suffering from Dementia.

Staff there said the whole area was cordoned off and those who were working last Sunday had to be escorted to the door by police officers.

Investigations carried on throughout much of the day, both ends of Weston Road were closed to traffic and sniffer dogs were brought in.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I was woken up by all the shouting and my dog was barking away because of all the noise.

"I looked out my bedroom window and there was about 10 youngsters out there all screaming at each other.

"Then it looked like there was a struggle and someone fell to the ground and the kids all started to run off.

"The next day I heard it was a stabbing. I think it's disgraceful and happens far too often around here these days."

Police and paramedics were called to the stabbing at around 1.15am and the victim was taken to Royal London hospital.

He was discharged on Tuesday February 3 and is now expected to make a full recovery.

Anyone with information about the identity of the attackers or if you witnessed the incident call Detective Bob Hutton on 020 8217 5536 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.