A man was fatally stabbed after security guards threw two groups of men out of a north London nightclub, early yesterday morning.

The 29-year-old victim and a group of friends were involved in a fight with a group of four black men inside the Warehouse nightclub, Harbet Road, N18.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the man was chased by a group of four men as he left the club.

The man ran for about 300 yards before running into Rivermead Rd, N18, which was no-exit. It is believed the man was stabbed after the suspects caught him. The suspects fled the scene.

Police and the London Ambulance Service were called by a member of the public at about 5am to reports of an assault on a man in Rivermead Rd, N18.

The 29-year-old was taken to North Middlesex Hospital suffering a stab wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

It was not known at this stage what happened to the victim's friends or whether they were followed, the spokesman said.

The Warehouse was very busy at the time of the fight inside the club and police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them, the Scotland Yard spokesman said.

Police are also anxious to speak to anyone who saw the victim being chased along Harbet Rd, N18 shortly before 5am on Sunday.

Next of kin has been informed but the victim has yet to be formally identified.

Police are keeping an open mind regarding a motive at this stage.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Incident Room at Barking police station on 020 8345 3715, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.