A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being stabbed in a “random” attack close to the Tower of London.
Scotland Yard issued an urgent appeal for the public’s help to trace a man fleeing the scene with a backpack after the attack in Trinity Square at 3.52pm on Tuesday.
The victim, 57, suffered multiple knife wounds and was taken to hospital with potentially life- threatening injuries.
Police said the attack is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
A Met spokesman said: “A 57-year-old man was taken to hospital with potentially life threatening injuries. We await a further update on his condition.
“An investigation has been launched and a crime scene is in place.
“Initial enquiries suggest the victim was attacked at random.”
Tinity Square contains a war memorial for mercantile marines and luxury hotels in the shadow of the Tower of London.
Detective Sergeant Ben Stephenson, from Central East CID, said: “We are taking the unusual step of releasing this image very early in our investigation. We urgently want to locate this man.
“This appears to have been a random attack. No items were taken from the victim who did not appear to know his attacker.
“While we have no definite information to suggest there is any further risk to the public, given the nature of this incident we would urge anyone who sees this man, or recognises him, to call 999 and not approach him.”
