UK: Man in critical condition after 'horrific' knife attack

A man has been left with "life-changing" injuries after an "horrific attack" in east London, police said.

The 36-year-old was attacked outside a shop in Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham at 19:50 BST on Thursday (6 August).

He was stabbed in the neck and slashed across the face and chest. Police said he suffered one knife wound "running practically from ear to ear".

He was taken to hospital where he is in a critical but stable condition.

Police said the injured man was thought to have been in a disagreement with another man in a takeaway shop before the attack.

Detective Constable Nicola Dunn said: "This is a horrific attack which has resulted in the victim receiving life-changing injuries.

"He has a three-inch slash wound to his neck, a large deep knife wound to his left cheek running practically from ear to ear and a puncture wound to the right chest just below the shoulder.

"He is currently in hospital in a high dependency unit and as a result of the knife wound to his neck has undergone a tracheotomy procedure.

"I urge anyone who witnessed this incident on Thursday evening to get in contact with us so we can catch the suspect as quickly as possible. It's just sheer luck the victim did not die."

The suspect, who left before police arrived at the scene, is described as black, aged about 30, 5ft 10in tall wearing a grey t-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation or witnessed the incident is asked to contact Barking and Dagenham CID on 101 quoting reference CRIS 5113106/15. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.