A man was rushed to hospital after being stabbed five times by a group of males attempting to steal his phone. 

The incident happened at approximately 6.25pm on December 20 when the victim, a man in his 20s, was approached by three males on Western Road, in Plaistow.

One of the males demanded his phone but the victim managed to run off before he was caught on Queens Road, at the junction with Rochester Avenue.

The suspects attacked him, stabbing him five times, Scotland Yard said.

The victim staggered to Green Street, in Newham, where he collapsed.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and provided the victim with first aid before taking him to hospital. He has since been discharged following treatment.

The Met is appealing for any witnesses to come forward who may be able to help with their investigation.

Det Con Oliver Beech, who is leading the investigation, said: “I am asking anyone who was in the area or any road users with dashcam footage which may have captured these events to come forward.

“This was a violent attack on a man who was walking in the street. Our enquiries have established that the three suspects may have been hanging around Western Avenue for around 30 minutes prior to this incident. Did you see them?

“I would also ask anyone who saw the three suspects fleeing towards Queens Market after the attack at around 6:30pm to get in contact.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD 5865/20Dec23.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.