A NEAR-fatal stabbing outside Lincolns pub has come as no surprise to residents nearby.

The attack on a 35-year-old man took place in Leytonstone High Road in the early hours of last Saturday as the pub was closing.

He was stabbed several times in the back, neck and chest and his heart was damaged.

A light-skinned black man with shoulder-length dreadlocks and a dark skinned black man were involved in the attack before they fled in a car which had a damaged windscreen.

All three men had been in Lincolns.

Local residents are aware of a previous knife attack inside the pub in May and the pub has since taken on new management.

However, the community is fed up with the anti-social behaviour demonstrated by the late night crowd.

They drive into the area, park in front of people's homes, play loud music and urinate in the street or gardens.

Jane Sterland, chairwoman of Ferndale Area Residents Association, said: "There are quite regularly gangs of people outside being rowdy and fights in the street. Residents also regularly witness drug dealing outside the pub.

"A pub can't just look at what's happening inside its four walls. It has to look at the impact on the area.

"It is so distressing to know that a stabbing has happened, and that should be unbelievable, but it's not really a surprise because these things have been happening for so long and ever since the late licence was granted a couple of years ago the problems have got worse."

Manager Jerry Nyoni maintains he is committed to making Lincolns a better place for the community. He has employed two security guards and posted signs asking patrons to respect local residents.

He said: "I'm disappointed that we are putting all the effort in and then this happens. It is a regrettable incident and people should look at the victim and sympathise, not look at the licensing laws.

"We want to work hand in hand with the residents."

The pub's late licence is a bone of contention. It is open until 2am Thursday to Saturday and midnight during the week.

Flash Wilson, 29, of Davies Lane, collected a petition of 175 signatures from residents disputing the late opening hours.

The pub had its public entertainment licence revoked by the council, but the owner, Trust Inns brewery, has appealed to Crown court and Lincolns will continue to operate until the outcome is determined.

DI Craig Bradley, investigating the case, said: "We need to trace anyone who may have seen the altercation, and are looking for more information on the vehicle. We are still awaiting forensic results."

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Chingford CID on 8345 3166 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.