Seven people have been arrested after four men were stabbed during an altercation on Bromley High Street on Thursday.

One man remains in hospital in a critical condition, while three others are being treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police were called to the scene at around 2.15pm, as witnesses reported seeing a group of men ‘carrying machetes’.

One eyewitness said the altercation began inside KFC before spilling out onto the high street, prompting members of the public to lock themselves inside nearby shops for safety.

A KFC spokesperson confirmed the incident began at the restaurant and said the company was assisting police and “supporting our team members and customers at this difficult time”.

Barber George Ioannou, who manages the Antonio’s barber shop next to KFC said people were running into his shop to take cover.

He told The Sun: “A woman came in crying and saying, ‘Lock the doors’.

“She said there were people with machetes. I locked the door. She was very upset.”

A bus driver who was at the scene minutes after the attack claimed the victims had been attacked with a ‘zombie knife’.

Officers from Met Police remained at the scene on Thursday evening as forensic investigators carried out their investigations.

Road closures were put in place and some 15 bus routes were diverted, including the 61, 208 and 219.

Vinnie Guadagnino, who lives on the high street, said he saw a huge police response to the incident with several cars and at least ten officers on foot.

He told the BBC: “Police cars kept coming, then within the next half hour there were multiple fire engines and people gathering.

“Then there was a drone overhead and helicopters and an air ambulance - so a massive emergency service response.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said “there is no place for violence in London,” as he urged anyone with information to contact police.

A spokesperson for the mayor said: “The Mayor is aware of the incident in Bromley in which four men have been stabbed, one of whom has been left in a critical condition.

“Thanks to swift work from Met police officers, seven men have already been arrested. There is not believed to be any wider threat to the public but police enquiries continue.

“There is no place for this violence in London and the Mayor is calling on anyone with information linked to this incident to contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. There is no honour in staying silent.”

Bromley and Biggin Hill MP Peter Fortune said on X: “I am aware of the incident on Bromley High Street this afternoon and I know that residents will have safety concerns.

“The police are in attendance and have made a number of arrests.

“I will remain in close contact with the police as they continue to investigate this incident.”

A Met spokesperson said: “At around 14:15hrs on Thursday, 10 September, officers were called to reports of an altercation on Bromley High Street.

“Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance and found four men with stab wounds. Three of them were taken to hospital where they are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. One is in critical condition.

“Seven men were arrested and they all remain in custody.

"Police enquiries continue and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 4008/10SEP or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 2:19pm today (10 September) to reports of a stabbing on Bromley High Street, BR1.

“We sent ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and an advanced paramedic.

“We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.

“We treated four patients at the scene and took them all to hospital.”