A man was stabbed in Nando’s while celebrating his birthday with friends and family on Monday evening.

Police were called to the popular chicken restaurant in Balham High Road at 9.20pm on September 16, after an 18-year-old man received stab wounds to his head and neck.

A man who had allegedly been eating at a table near the victim suddenly carried out the assault before running off along Balham High Road towards Balham Hill while still holding the knife.

He was a light-skinned, black male.

The victim was taken to a central London hospital, where he is currently in a serious but stable condition.

No arrests have been made and police from the Trident Gang Command are investigating.

Police are keeping an open mind in regards to a motive for the attack.

Detective Constable Chris Turner said: “This was a sudden and violent assault on a man who was celebrating his birthday with friends and family.

“We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the restaurant immediately prior to the attack, or witnessed the suspect running from the scene.

“Any information, no matter how small, could be vital in tracing this man and will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information should call police on 020 8785 8154 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.