Lewisham was likened to "a war zone" on Saturday night after one man was stabbed at a 16th birthday and dozens of youths rampaged through the streets.

Police said five people were arrested after the major disturbance in south London.

A 23-year-old man was taken to hospital after being stabbed and is not thought to have life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses reported seeing dozens of teenagers in Lewisham High Street after a knife attack at the birthday party in nearby St Swithuns Road.

Others reported seeing riot police with dogs on the scene after the incident at around 11pm.

One person tweeted: "Lewisham mad tonight !!!! Bout 150 youths marching down my road ruining my film on tv."

Another witness reported seeing "big police squads sprinting round" the area after the attack, which is thought to have happened after teenagers tried to "gate crash" a party.

Youth worker Dave Ahern tweeted: "Major incident on Hither Green Lane- road closed [...] lots of police with dogs and kids running away."

Dannique Simone posted: "Feel like I'm in the middle of a war zone! Wonder what's happened in the hood tonight".

And Derek Ofoborth tweeted: "Lewisham Shopping Centre, mayhem, police confronting young kids, just witnessed a young boy being ganged on. Pls pray."

Roads in the area were closed between around 12am and 1am as witnesses said the area was "on lock down" due to the disturbance.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to St Swithuns Road, SE13 at around 2300hrs on Saturday, 30 May to reports of a person having been stabbed at a 16th birthday party.

"On arrival officers found a 23-year-old man suffering from a stab wound to his side. He was taken to a south London hospital by London Ambulance Service. His injuries are not life threatening.

"A group of around 50 people loitered in the area and were the cause of some disorder.

"Five people were arrested for offences relating to public order. They have been taken to south London police stations.

"Officers from Lewisham supported by dog units and Air Support dispersed the group. Enquiries continue."