An Orthodox Jew man, now identified as Rabbi Alter Yaakov Schlesinger, has been rushed to hospital after being stabbed in Hackney on Friday morning. The male suffered what appeared to be multiple stab wounds in the incident, which took place just before 11am. Witnesses at the scene say members of the public held the suspect until he was arrested by police.

In a statement, Hackney Police confirmed: "At 10:54 on Friday, 12 June, police were called to reports of a male being restrained in Stoke Newington High Street, N16. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. A man, aged in his fifties, was found suffering stab wounds. Another man, aged in his forties, had been restrained on the floor by members of the public. A man aged in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been taken to hospital after suffering what is believed to be minor head injuries.’’

The Community Security Trust confirmed they were "aware of reports a Jewish man has been stabbed in Stoke Newington, north London" and were in contact with police over the incident.

Hackney Police added “The victim, aged in his fifties, has also been taken to hospital. We await further updates on his condition.”

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl added: “We have become aware of an alleged violent crime against a Chasidic Jew in Stoke Newington. Our thoughts are with the victim and we pray for his speedy recovery.

Photos on social media showed how construction workers and a Deliveroo rider had rushed to stop the alleged knifeman before police flooded the scene.