WITNESSES are being sought after a man cycling to the shops was the victim of a vicious and unprovoked stabbing.

The 33-year-old was riding from The Rise, Greenford, towards Sudbury Hill tube at around 7.30pm on Saturday.

As he entered Ridding Lane, three men pushed him off his bike and assaulted him before running off.

Not realising the severity of his injuries, the victim got back on but collapsed shortly afterwards.

He was taken by ambulance to a central London hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

He suffered five stab wounds to his legs, chest, armpit and back.

Det Con Steven Constable, from Acton CID, said: "This appears at this stage to be an entirely unprovoked attack on a man who was merely cycling to the shops. Nothing was stolen during the assault.

"It may be someone saw the attackers hanging around the area in the minutes or hours leading up to it."

The first suspect is described as black, around 25, about 6ft and slim. He wore dark clothing and is thought to be local.

The other suspects were also black and aged about 21 or 22. They were skinny and wore dark clothing with their hoods up.

Call Acton CID on 020 8721 7029 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.