A man in his 40s was stabbed in Ballards Lane last night but police say there is “no indication” of links to “community tensions”

(Credit – Met Police)

Five men have been arrested following the stabbing of a man in West Finchley last night.

Police were called to Ballards Lane shortly after 7pm and found a man in his 40s with stab injuries. He received emergency first aid and was taken to hospital. Police say his condition is not life threatening or life changing.

Five men, aged between 19 and 45, were arrested on suspicion of affray and all remain in custody.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We urge people to not speculate while officers work at pace to understand the circumstances.

“While early accounts suggested there may have been a disagreement involving a flag, there is currently no indication that this incident is linked to wider community tensions or international events.

“At this stage, the information suggests this was a localised dispute between a small number of individuals, and there is no broader threat to the public.”

UPDATE: This story was updated at 3.52pm on Sunday March 8th to include additional information about the arrested men.

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