FORENSICS have been scouring an area of central Romford for evidence after a man was found stabbed in the early hours of this morning (Friday).

The 23-year-old man who is currently recovering at an east London hospital was stabbed in the arms and chest following a scuffle in South Street.

Paramedics were called shortly before 4am and police followed minutes later.

The victim had collapsed at the back of A1 Minicabs.

Manager of A1 John Micheal said: “From what I understand there was an altercation out the front somewhere in South Street or at the top of Victoria Road - I don’t know where. Then a man rushed in here for security I believe.”

Mr Micheal, who heard the news when he called in ahead of work at 6am, said he believed the victim knew one of the door staff working at the back of A1 and had fled through the cab office possibly for protection or help.

“He just rushed through shouting ‘I’ve been stabbed, I’ve been stabbed’. He fell over a car out the back there. It’s covered in blood,” he said.

Forensics taped off the area surrounding the car and photographed and collected evidence from the black BMW this morning to help in the investigation.

Police also closed off the area at the front of the cab office in South Street and at the top of Victoria Road as part of the crime scene until just before 8am during which time traffic and buses had to be diverted.

The 24-hour cab office remained open throughout but had restricted services. Customers had to use an alleyway next to the station to reach their cabs in Atlanta Boulevard at the back of A1 while the crime scene was in place.

Sukru Sihin, manager of Maxim Food Store and Off Licence, said he saw police “looking in the bin” at the top of Victoria Road, possibly for traces of the weapon used in the attack.

“12 years I’ve been here and every day something happens,” Mr Sihin said.

A Havering Police spokesman said: “Police officers patrolling in South Street were called by the London Ambulance Service to the rear of A1 Minicabs. A man aged 23 was found with stab wounds to the arms and chest area. The LAS were in attendance and he was taken to an east London hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His condition is currently stable and he’s talking.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call DC Scott Yeoman on 0300 123 1212.