... but police are not ruling out a racial motive for stabbing near Stephen Lawrence memorial

SIX youths who attempted to knife a 30-year-old Eltham man to death in a suspected grudge attack are being hunted by police.

Initial reports suggested the attack, which took place in Westhorne Avenue, half-a-mile from the site of Stephen Lawrence's murder, had been racially motivated.

But detectives are now investigating whether the stabbing was the result of a feud within members of the gang and whether the black man was the group's intended target.

The victim, who cannot be named, was walking with a female friend when he was confronted by the group outside the Co-op, at about 8.20pm.

He tried to get away, but after chasing him down the road, the group caught hold of him and stabbed him.

The woman, who is in her 20s, was not harmed by the gang.

A passer-by called for an ambulance for the stricken victim.

He is in a serious but stable condition and police are still looking for the weapon used to attack him.

They are appealing to News Shopper readers for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Huw Jenkins said his team is investigating a number of different motives for the stabbing.

He said: "The incident occurred about half-a-mile from the location of the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

"In the light of what we have learnt from that, we are not ruling out a racial motive, although at this stage there is no evidence in support of that."

A 32-year-old man was arrested last week in connection with the attack, but released without charge.

The attackers, all white and in their late teens and early 20s, escaped from Westhorne Road through Katherine Gardens.

DCI Jenkins is asking readers with any information about the July 1 attack to call the incident room, on 020 8217 6518.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

csteel@london.newsquest.co.uk

July 9, 2002 13:00