THIS is the terrifying moment a man armed with a machete lurks near a children’s playground on a bicycle.
A man caused alarm after being spotted cycling with a large knife in his hand near a children’s play area July 21 in East London.
New footage from around 7pm on Sunday shows the man casually riding his bike in Middleton Green Park, Bethnal Green.
The individual can be seen holding a large knife with the same hand he used to grip one of the handle bars while he seems to shout at passers-by.
Just yards from an area where children play, eyewitnesses at the scene have suggested that the individual argued with members of the public before riding away.
Police attended Tower Hamlets shortly after but were unable to locate the individual, who had likely fled the area, by the time they arrived.
The video circulated around social media and despite speculation about the branding of clothing that the man was wearing, he was not working for Deliveroo, the company confirmed.
The food delivery giant has issued this statement: “We have investigated and can confirm this individual was not riding for Deliveroo and instead wearing oue kit.”
While no injuries were reported, police are urgently appealing for anyone who can identify the man to contact 101.
Alternatively, those with information can also use X to get in touch by tagging @MetCC and quoting CAD6260/21Jul.
This comes as a spate of knife crime has hit the city with an unrelated double stabbing in Harold Hill on Saturday resulting in two men being taken to hospital with stab wounds.
Bethnal Green is a diverse and vibrant area of East London found in the Tower Hamlets borough and home to Middleton Green.
The small, urban park is comprised of a multi-use games area, used by children and can be found off Old Bethnal Green Road.
Middleton Green is one of many parks and open spaces owned by Tower Hamlets council, a number of which hold Green Flag Awards.
According to The Met Police website, not only is it illegal to carry a knife but it increases the likelihood of being injured yourself.
UK knife law allows individuals to carry non-locking knives with a maximum blade length of 3 inches.
While some may argue they have a good reason to carry a knife, a court will decide whether this is a strong enough argument if charged with carrying illegally.
Police also have the power to stop and search anyone they believe to be harbouring a weapon and use of any knife in a threatening way is illegal.
Many types of knives are illegal to own including machetes and zombie-knives.
