Elizabeth Hurley has said her nephew lost more than four pints of blood after being repeatedly stabbed in a mob attack.

The actor branded the four men who stabbed her 21-year-old nephew, Miles Hurley, on Thursday as “animals” and hoped they will be caught before they hurt or even kill someone.

In an Instagram post, she said: “My 21 year old nephew mileshurley1 was brutally attacked by four men in London on Thursday night. He was repeatedly stabbed and lost more than four pints of blood.

“A policeman was patrolling close by and administered first aid until the ambulance arrived. The deepest wound just missed severing his spine.

“By some miracle no vital organs were damaged. We are praying that these animals are caught before they maim, or even kill, someone else. These are sad days.”

The message appeared alongside a photograph of herself and Miles Hurley, who is a model.

On the day of the attack, Miles had paid tribute to his aunt in a post celebrating International Women’s Day.

He posted a picture of her with another family member, writing: “Love & appreciation for all the strong, happy and independent women around me.”

A spokesman for the Metropolitan police said: “Police were called at 20.52 on Thursday 8 March to Ascalon Street, SW8 following reports of a stabbing.

“Officers attended with the London ambulance service (LAS). A 21-year-old man was discovered with stab wounds to his back.

“Another man, also believed to be aged 21, was also found suffering from stab wounds. They were both taken by LAS to a south London hospital where their conditions are described as not life-threatening or life-changing.

“They are believed to have been attacked by a group of males who got out of a vehicle and assaulted them before fleeing the scene.

“There have been no arrests.”