Two teenagers were last night left fighting for their lives in hospital after two "linked" knife attacks in north London, Scotland Yard has said.
Police and paramedics scrambled to Fairbridge Road, Islington, at araound 5.35pm to reports of a stabbing.
A teenager, thought to be 17, was found suffering from stab injuries, police said.
Around 10 minutes later, a second teenager, thought to be 18, was found with stab injuries in nearby Sussex Close.
Both teenagers were rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Police later confirmed that the 17-year-old was in a serious but stable condition, and that the second victim's condition was no longer believed to be life-threatening.
A spokesman for Metropolitan Police said: “Enquiries are underway, led by detectives from the Central North Command Unit, to establish the full circumstances.
“At present, both stabbings are being treated as linked.”
Police said there will be an increased number of officers in the area and that a Section 60 order - which allows officers to stop and search anyone - has been authorised for the borough of Islington until 7am on Tuesday.
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.
Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5043/06may or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
