A man who was shot and stabbed in a suspected ambush remains in critical condition.

Police confirmed today (May 5) that a 19-year-old, left fighting for his life after being found with stab wounds near a polling station in Dagenham, is still in critical condition.

The man, 19, was discovered near Becontree Methodist Church after calls reporting a stabbing, then gun shots fired.

Police later confirmed he had been shot, and the 19-year-old was promptly taken to hospital, deemed to be in life-threatening condition. 

Three men, two 19-year-olds and a 26-year-old, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Detective Inspector Iain Wallace said on Friday (May 3): "This wasn’t a disagreement or a fight, it was an ambush that has left a 19-year-old fighting for his life.

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"Enquiries are moving forward to identify the others involved," he added.

A crime scene had been put in place and Whalebone Lane South closed in both directions.

The area has since been cleared.