Detectives today launched an urgent appeal after an unprovoked stabbing in Croydon.
The victim, a 26-year-old man, was stabbed in the chest by a male suspect "who poses a real risk to the public”.
He is said to have suddenly stopped in front of the victim, pulled a knife out of a backpack and lunged at him.
The man “casually walked off” after putting the knife back in his bag.
It happened just before 4pm on Wednesday in Selsdon Road. The victim was treated in hospital.
Det Insp David Willis, from Croydon Police, 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.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Croydon Police on 07769 922321 or 101.
