11:11am Wednesday 10th February 2010
By Claire Hack
A MAN who was stabbed in the leg in a quiet Wanstead street was answering an ad placed on gumtree.com, it has been revealed.
Police are appealing for information and witnesses after the 39-year-old was attacked as he tried to buy a car in Redbridge Lane West at about 6.30pm on February 4.
He was accompanied by two male relatives and was carrying a large amount of cash, although police have not specified how much.
They had arranged to buy the car, a BMW X5, in the car park of nearby Wanstead Leisure Centre.
The group parked their car and the two relatives left to check whether the seller had arrived, leaving the victim with the cash.
He was then attacked as he left the car to follow his relatives.
Officers have confirmed the attack was carried out by five men, aged 20 to 25, who punched and kicked the victim, before stabbing him in the leg, leaving him with a severe injury below his right knee.
They fled the scene empty-handed, with two of the men making off on foot up Rectory Crescent, while another drove off in a black Peugeot.
The victim’s condition is described as serious but stable.
One of the suspects, who was armed with a knife, is described as black, of thin build, with a protruding lower lip and was wearing a black hat, brown puffa jacket and dark trousers.
Another is described as being black, about 6ft tall, and was wearing a black hat and black jacket.
A third suspect is also described being black, about 5ft 8 ins tall, of thin build, wearing a brown T-shirt and grey trousers.
Descriptions are not available for the other two suspects.
DS Ian Hassall said: "This was a brutal attack on an innocent man who was responding to an online advertisement in good faith.
"I urge anyone responding to classified website ads, to do so responsibly and safely.
"Events that result in personal injury are fortunately very rare, nevertheless, if you are confident that the seller is genuine, you should still take steps to ensure your safety.
"Do not go to the meeting point alone, do not carry large amounts of cash on your person, make sure that you meet in a busy area and never allow yourself to be lured away from a safe meeting place."
Two men, aged 21 and 20, have been arrested in connection with the attack and have been bailed to return pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room at Redbridge CID on 8345 2667 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
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