A man was stabbed in broad daylight outside London's Royal National Theatre only moments before celebrities started arriving nearby for the BAFTAs.

Eyewitnesses spoke of their shock as ambulances, armed offices and fire engines descended on Southbank.

The victim was knifed on the theatre terrace, next to Waterloo Bridge, at around 4pm on Sunday.

A man was stabbed in broad daylight outside London's Royal National Theatre

Eyewitnesses spoke of their shock as ambulances, armed offices and fire engines descended on Southbank

It is not currently known how serious his injuries are and a crime scene is in place.

Passersby took to social media to describe seeing someone, believed to be the man who was stabbed, being treated on the theatre terrace.

Air ambulance in Southbank se1 pic.twitter.com/mmvjz8sLHx — Guillaume (@guillaumephotos) 13 May 2018

The area is known for attracting tourists and Londoners alike, with many meeting at the riverside bars to enjoy the warmer weather.

A Met statement said: 'Police in Lambeth were called to Upper Ground, Lambeth, London SE1 outside the Royal National Theatre terrace at 3.59pm on Sunday, 13 May following reports of a stabbing.

A heavy police presence was seen outside the Royal National Theatre terrace

Passersby took to social media to describe seeing someone, believed to be the man who was stabbed, being treated on the theatre terrace

'Officers, London Air Ambulance and London Ambulance Service attended and found a man aged in his twenties suffering from a stab injury.

'He has been taken to a central London hospital. A full update on his injuries awaits.

'No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue. A crime scene remains in place.'