A man was stabbed after a group approached him and asked him for cigarettes.

An 18-year-old man who was with two friends was approached by three men in Seven Kings Park, Selwyn Avenue and stabbed.

The suspects asked for a cigarette and the group conversed, before the victim was set upon all three men who left the scene on foot.

The victim described one of the teenagers as Asian and wore a dark blue or black beanie hat, while one of the other suspects were black and the other white.

Detective Constable Jonathan Lam, from East Area CID, said: “This assault happened in the afternoon and there is a good chance somebody may have witnessed the victim being attacked.

“He was treated in hospital for multiple stab wounds and was incredibly fortunate that the consequences of the attack were not graver.

“We are establishing the motive for the incident and as yet, have made no arrests.

“It is entirely understandable that having witnessed this, you may be fearful of coming forward, but please, consider making the call to police or Crimestoppers anonymously, without delay.

“There may also be phone footage of the incident, and this could prove vital to evidence."

Any witnesses, or anyone with information about the incident or those involved is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Cad 4844/2Dec or Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.