A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and bailed after another teenager was stabbed in the back and thigh and reportedly beaten with an iron bar in an assault in Thamesmead on Friday. 

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information after the 14-year-old was attacked at 11.15am in Binsey Walk.

The teenager was arrested on suspicion of GBH and has been bailed until early August pending further enquiries. 

Witnesses described the victim being attacked by two black males at the location.

One was believed to be armed with a knife and the other with a metal pole.

The boy was stabbed in his left leg and in the back before taking refuge in a library at the end of the road while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

Librarian Jyati, who did not want to give her last name, was working at the time the boy was brought in.

She told News Shopper: "He came in here because it's a safe place.

"He was alright and he was talking. He actually walked in but then he felt the pain.

"There was some blood and we saw a big, deep cut in his leg."

The victim was taken to hospital as a priority but a south London hospital and is in a stable condition.

Sandra Wright, 67, has lived in a flat in Binsey Road near where the incident happened for 45 years.

The grandmother-of-ten said: "I was told he was beaten with an iron bar.

"We haven't had something like this for quite a while but to tell you the truth it's something you live with theses days.

"It does worry me because it happened early in the day.

"There seems to be no mercy with these children or youths - they have no fear."

This incident is being investigated by the Trident Gang Crime Command.

Detective Sergeant Ewan Robertson, Trident's South Reactive Team, said: "At 11.19am on Friday traffic was busy and there would have been a number of people present in the area.

"I am appealing for witnesses who may have been present at the time the incident took place to contact police.

"I would like to reassure any potential witnesses who may be worried about making contact with police that Trident has extensive expertise in protecting witnesses and there are a range of measures that can be taken to protect you."

Anyone with any information is urged to call the Trident incident room on 0208 247 4877. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Do you know the victim or see this happen? Call the newsroom on 01689 885 726 or email melissa.hills@london.newsquest.co.uk