This week 30 years ago: Man stabbed in face as brawl erupts outside Martin Luther King Youth Club
Islington Gazette: June 5, 1987 - Credit: Archant
An 18-year-old man was stabbed in the face, back of the head and chest after a riot erupted outside a Holloway youth club.
Police tried to rescue Charles Avhanvhondo as he lay in Sheringham Road outside Martin Luther King Youth Club – but were forced back by dozens of battling teens.
After the hour-long riot was brought under control, Mr Avhanvhondo was taken to Whittington Hospital for emergency treatment.
But cops were met with a “wall of silence” as they tried to trace those involved.
Meanwhile, days before the 1987 general election, the race for Islington South and Finsbury was neck and neck.
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Polls had Labour incumbent Chris Smith and the Alliance’s George Cunningham at 36 per cent each.
It was a reflection of the 1983 election, when Mr Smith won the seat from Mr Cunningham by just 363 seats.
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In the event, Mr Smith retained his seat – again with a slender majority of 805.
