AT LEAST 141 people were stabbed in Waltham Forest last year, it has emerged.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show there were 136 reported incidents in the borough in 2010 - some with multiple victims - with every ward affected.

The attacks resulted in two deaths. Last year a Guardian investigation found there had been 18 stabbings in Leytonstone since January, showing that the number of such incidents was far higher than officers had previously publicly acknowledged.

The latest figures show that of 136 reported incidents, police only released details of 20. Walthamstow and Leytonstone were the areas worst affected.

There was a peak of 15 stabbings in both Walthamstow's High Street and Higham Hill wards, with 11 in the Hoe Street area.

In Leytonstone, 10 cases were reported in both Cann Hall and Cathall wards.

The least affected areas were in the north of the borough.

Police have regularly refused to release details such as dates and locations of attacks, claiming this would lead criminals to “modify their behaviour” and increase the fear of crime.

This is despite the recent publication by police of crime maps show crime levels on individual streets - although this data does not provide specific details of the offence.

The data shows most reported crimes in the borough happen near transport hubs and in town centres.

However, some residential streets also have high levels of reports, such as St John's Road in Chingford which had 27 anti-social offences reported in December 2010 alone.

The council and police have insisted tackling gang-related violence is a priority.

Last month a £3 million scheme was launched to tackle the problem, which will offer a mix of support and help for suspected gang members and their families, along with greater police scrutiny and enforcement for those who do not co-operate.

• Tourist Kelvin Francis, 26, died of a single knife wound when he was attacked in Walthamstow High Street in March. His killer, Daniel Smith, was sentenced to life in prison in September.

In November 33-year-old Sylvester Senyah was stabbed to death in Capworth Street, Leyton. A man has been charged with his murder and awaits trial.

Ward / Number of stabbings in 2010

Cann Hall - 10

Cathall - 10

Chapel End - 3

Chingford Green - 3

Endlebury - 2

Forest - 7

Grove Green - 4

Hale End and Highams Park - 1

Hatch Lane - 4

High Street - 15

Higham Hill - 15

Hoe Street - 11

Larkswood - 2

Lea Bridge - 9

Leyton - 8

Leytonstone - 4

Markshouse - 9

Valley - 2

Williams Morris - 9

Wood Street - 8

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter