A man is in a critical condition after being stabbed during a robbery in Melbourne’s south-east this morning.

The 30-year-old Indonesian national and his friend were approached by a man on Burwah Avenue in Brighton East at 5.30am.

The offender stabbed the man after demanding the pair hand over their belongings.

The victim’s friend flagged down a passing police car on Centre Road in Bentleigh while driving the man to hospital.

Police believe the attack was not random. (9NEWS)

Police called an ambulance who took the man to hospital.

He suffered injuries to his neck, back and arm and is in a critical condition.

The offender fled the scene on foot.

Police don’t believe the attack was random.