London police arrest 39 for attempted murder after stabbing

39 people were arrested in London on Monday on suspicion of attempted murder.  (london.gov.uk)

LONDON – British police said 39 people were arrested Monday on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing in west London.

Police said the unusual mass arrest was necessary because the suspects refused to cooperate with police following the stabbing.

London police say they were summoned to an address in the Hammersmith neighborhood of west London shortly before 1 a.m. Monday and found a man in his mid-30s suffering from stab wounds.

The force said "the victim had been chased by a number of male and female suspects following an altercation in a shop."

The suspects then entered a nearby residence where a party was taking place, police said. They were arrested after officers sent to the residence could not get anyone to answer questions about the stabbing.

Superintendent Mark Lawrence said the arrest of 39 was "appropriate" because of the need to obtain "essential evidence." Two knives were found close to the scene.

Police say the victim is in critical but stable condition. The suspects have not been identified or charged.