Police have released a photo of a man they urgently want to find after an "unprovoked stabbing" in Croydon.

Officers were called to a house on Seldon Road at 3.30 on Wednesday (July 25) to reports a man had been stabbed.

The victim, a 26-year-old man, told police he was sitting outside the house when a man walked past in the direction of Brighton Road.

After suddenly stopping in front of the victim, the man pulled a knife out of his backpack and lunged at him.

As he tried to pull away, the victim was knifed in the chest by his right shoulder.

According to the victim, the man then put the knife in his bag and "casually walked off."

Police took the victim to a south London hospital for treatment.

Now officers have released a photo of the man they want to speak to in connection with the attack.

DI David Willis of Croydon CID said: “We desperately want to locate this man as he poses a real risk to the public, and maybe, even himself.

“This appears to be a completely unprovoked attack that could very easily have turned into a far more serious incident. It is by sheer luck that the victim did not suffer any life-changing injuries.

“If you know who this man is, please call Croydon CID on 07769 922321 or via 101 as a matter of urgency. We urge you not to approach him.”