Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after two stabbings took place within a week of each other on the same street in Barking.

Officers are “considering the possibility” the incidents are linked but cannot say for sure.

The first attack took place at about 8.30pm on Thursday, November 15.

The victim, 25, said he had been walking down Longbridge Road when a man stepped out in front of him, stabbed him in the back and ran off.

The suspect is described as about 6ft tall and wearing a brown hoodie, sporty trousers and trainers.

Days later a 47-year-old man needed surgery after a similar attack at about 9.45pm on Wednesday, November 21.

His attacker was described as a slim, black male of 5ft 3ins tall, who wore a grey hoodie, dark trousers and grey trainers.

Detectives want to speak to anyone who saw either of the two stabbings.

You can contact them on 020 8345 4329 quoting reference 7669/21NOV18.