A NIGHT of violence on the streets of Bromley left three youths hospitalised and pavements stained with blood.

Four men were arrested as police cordoned off Bromley town centre following three stabbings on Saturday night.

A 17-year-old youth, who received multiple stab wounds in what was believed to be an unprovoked attack, was rushed to Bromley Hospital and immediately placed on the critical list.

Two other youths were also taken to hospital after being stabbed in the head and upper body. They received treatment and were later discharged.

Police said the four men they arrested have since been bailed while further enquiries continue.

A police spokesman said: "It is going to take a while to unravel the events of Saturday night as there were a lot of people around at that time.

"We are appealing to anyone who witnessed the attacks to come forward as soon as possible. In particular, we would like to hear from a white male, wearing a light coloured shirt, who seemed to witness the attack.

"Due to the severity of his injuries, we haven't been able to speak to the main victim yet."

An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "There was one man outside the Town House pub who was clearly up to no good.

"I saw him run down the High Street punching people and that's when the stabbing must have happened.

"This isn't a surprise as this area seems to have become a hotspot for trouble in recent weeks."

This latest spate of attacks has triggered anger among local restaurateurs, who claim the area has become besieged by under-aged drinkers intent on causing trouble.

But Bromley town centre manager James Findlater urged a note of caution, saying: "As usual this is a case of the minority creating havoc after consuming alcohol.

"I am hoping this is a one off, as in general we don't get a lot of problems in this area of Bromley."

Anyone with information should call Sergeant Martin Davis on 020 8284 8060 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

July 18, 2001 15:47