Festival goers and members of the community have spoken out of their shock after stabbings at a music festival.

Emergency services were called at 7.35pm on Saturday to The Garage Nation Festival at Hainault Forest Country Park in Romford Road after four men suffered knife injuries.

One man was treated at the scene whilst the others were taken to an East-London hospital with non life-threatening injuries. One man has been discharged.

Witnesses shared their horror on social media. Twitter user @meldee2018 said: "Just saw someone get stabbed right in front of me at garage nation. I've never seen anything like it. Why do people do this?

"It was honestly the scariest thing I've ever witnessed."

People living and working in the area spoke of their worries. Harry, a sales assistant at Manor Aquatics Centre in Romford Road, said: “It’s not good, more and more knife crime seems to be happening in the local area.

“A few years ago there were more police officers on the road. There should be more security about. There needs to be more foot patrols that can help out.

“The next few weeks will be a bit more tense."

Harry gave his thoughts on how another attack could be prevented. He added: “Being vigilant and not letting people get out of control. Why would they have a knife on them in a park?”

Babina Kc, front of house assistant at Newham Hotel, also in Romford Road, said: “It's not really safe. You have to be conscious of criminal activities within the area.

“People living within the local area everyone should be helping each other.

“It’s really scary for people trying to live a normal life.”

Usman, a letting associator who works in the road, said: “Although this happens within and around London it can be avoided. There needs to be more security at these events.

When asked whether he would feel safe to attend upcoming public events, Usman said: “Not sure, depends on what type of people that will be there.”

One man, who did not want to be named, said: “Anyone who knows anything about the ‘garage’ scene knows that this genre of music is also a magnet for gang members.

“I observed some of the attendees at Hainault Forest Country Park and it was obvious to anyone attending, that there would possibly be gang related violence.”

Another man who wished to remain anonymous said police sirens and helicopters could be heard arriving at the site between 7.30 and 8pm.

He said: “Redbridge councillors who approved, supported and recommended the event all need to be held to account for the multiple stabbings and trauma to those who witnessed the violence that occurred over the weekend.”

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said: “Prior to the event, comprehensive security measures were agreed with the police and organisers including trained security teams on site and rigorous searches on arrival, and these were checked to ensure full implementation during the festival. 

“Unfortunately, on Saturday there was one isolated violent incident which was not reflective of the event as a whole, which was attended by 20,000 people and passed off without any other major problems. Following a review meeting it was agreed the event should go ahead on Sunday with an added police presence and more specialist security.”

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call the East Area Command Unit CID via 101 quoting reference CAD 6922/30June or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.