McDonald's Customers Flee In Terror As Teen Knifeman Stalks Victim

A teenager armed with a fearsome hunting-knife caused children and families to flee in terror from a McDonald's as he pursued another male.

Arkeem Cabey, 18, of Meadow Close, Barking was sentenced to 18 months custody when he appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He had pleaded guilty at the same court to threatening a person with a blade in a public place.

The incident happened on the evening of Sunday, April 29 in The Brewery, Romford.

Police received numerous calls that a youth was armed with a knife and attempting to attack another man.

He approached the victim on an upper floor of the shopping centre and chased him into the McDonald's, where customers fled in terror.

Local officers responded within minutes and Cabey ran off from police.

However, he was detained nearby and a large hunting knife that he had discarded was recovered nearby.

On his arrest, Cabey admitted to officers that he had been in possession of the knife for his own safety but when interviewed in police custody he refused to say anything further.

Officers analysed CCTV of the incident which clearly showed Cabey speaking to another man on the first floor of the shopping centre.

Cabey then produced the knife and began to pursue the man into the nearby McDonald’s restaurant.

On realising what was happening, families began to flee in terror as Cabey continued to stalk his victim.

After making unsuccessful attempts to get at the man, Cabey ran off before being arrested by police.

The man Cabey was trying to attack has not been identified.

Acting Detective Inspector Dean Grafton of the East Area Command Unit said: “Cabey’s actions, which took place in a public place where numerous families with children were enjoying an evening out, were utterly abhorrent.

“Armed with a large knife, he pursued his victim for a sustained period of time showing absolutely no regard for the safety and wellbeing of those around him.

“Knife crime will not be tolerated and thanks to the swift actions of officers from Romford Town Centre, an off duty officer and members of the public, Cabey was arrested.

“Good work during the subsequent investigation by the CID ensured Cabey was made to face the consequences of his actions.”