A MAN was stabbed in the heart, and almost died, after going to buy a car from someone he contacted through the internet. The 42-year-old was ambushed in North Street, Barking, where he had been expecting to buy a VW Golf advertised on classified website

A MAN was stabbed in the heart, and almost died, after going to buy a car from someone he contacted through the internet.

The 42-year-old was ambushed in North Street, Barking, where he had been expecting to buy a VW Golf advertised on classified website, Gumtree.com.

The two attackers punched, kicked and then stabbed their victim in the heart, lung and abdomen, before stealing the �5000 he had with him to pay for the vehicle.

A passer-by intervened and the men ran off. Shortly after the brutal attack, which happened on July 30, the injured man, was treated by an air ambulance and taken to hospital, where he underwent life-saving surgery.

A 20-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested nearby and are currently on bail.

It later emerged the owner of the car was unaware it had been offered for sale.

Police are now asking for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector, Ellie O'Connor, of Barking CID said: "This was a brutal attack on an innocent man who was responding to an online advertisement in good faith."

Describing what happened she said: "It was broad daylight and a busy area so the gentleman thought he would be safe.

Then he was ambushed from behind and knocked to the floor where he was beaten, kicked and stabbed four times."

"Thanks to the intervention of a member of public they ran off. The passer-by gave then gave first aid until the air ambulance arrived."

The man, from North London, is expected to survive, but is said to be too traumatised to talk about what happened.

DCI O'Connor appealed for classified website users to act responsibly and safely.

She said: "Millions of successful transactions take place on the internet every day.

"There are occasions when transactions go wrong however most of these incidents involve some form of dispute rather than criminal activity.

"Events that result in personal injury are fortunately rare, nevertheless, if you are confident the seller is genuine, you should still take steps to ensure your safety."

"Do not go to a meeting place alone, do not carry large amounts of cash on your person, make sure that you meet in a busy area and never allow yourself to be lured away from a safe meeting place."

If you have information about the attack call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Barking CID on 0208 217 5535.