Crime Desk

Westminster officers are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed in Selby Square, W10.

Police were called at approximately 00:15hrs on Friday 7 January to reports of a man having been stabbed.

On arrival officers found an 18-year old man in the square. He was taken by the London Ambulance Service to an east London hospital suffering from multiple stab wounds to his back and abdomen. His is condition is described as serious but stable.

The victim was walking home on his own through Selby Square, W10, having been out with friends. On his way home, he noticed a large group of people coming towards him from behind.

The victim ran away however he tripped up and the group caught up with him in the square. At this point the victim was involved in an altercation resulting in him receiving a number of stab wounds. The group then ran from the scene in an unknown direction. There have been no arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Forteath, leading the investigation, said: "This was a violent attack during which the victim was stabbed multiple times. This man is lucky to have survived this attack. The motive remains unknown, but we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen or heard something, or who was in the area at the time of the attack, to get in touch as soon as possible. Our Safer Neighbourhoods team and our council colleagues are working in the area to reassure the community. Somebody somewhere knows about this crime and we need their help to arrest those responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to call Westminster Serious Violence Team on 020 7321 9314; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.