Police are treating an knife attack in Wanstead, where a nursery worker was jumped by three women, as a hate crime.

The incident took place in Wanstead High Street yesterday (Wednesday, June 7) at around 9.30am as the woman was walking to work.

The victim, in her 30s, had been kicked and slashed to the hand with a blade, before the group ran off.

She was taken to an east London hospital for treatment and was later discharged.

The woman, who works at Little Diamonds Nursery, told staff her attackers had shouted "Allah will get you", while they carried out the assault.

Nursery manager, Karrien Stevens, told the Guardian yesterday: “They started kicking and punching her and then took out a knife and slashed her arm.

“Apparently they were shouting parts of the Qur’an saying things like 'Allah will get you'.”

Police say the comments supposedly made by the attackers mean the incident is now being treated as a hate crime.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told the Press Association: "It's early days yet but the police are taking it very seriously.

"Various lines of inquiries are being followed.

"And I'm confident that justice will be done."

No arrests have been made in connection with the attack.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call Met Police on: 020 8345 2711 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.