Police have released sickening CCTV footage showing the moment a cowering man was stabbed 11 times by Apex gang members in Melbourne.

Officers are still appealing for witnesses to the unprovoked attack, which took place in Nobel Park two weeks ago and left the 24-year-old victim with life-threatening wounds to his stomach, chest and legs.

Police say there were around 30 people in the area at the time of the attack, including a dozen who tried to defend the victim, but so far nobody has come forward to identify those involved.

This is the sickening moment a near-fatal knife attack by members of the Apex gang was caught on camera in Melbourne on October 1 (top left)

A 24-year-old man was chased through the streets following a surprise 22nd birthday party before falling into a gutter where he was stabbed 11 times in the stomach, chest and legs

Officers say that the man was attacked at around 4am on October 1 after returning to the scene of an earlier surprise 22nd birthday party with a friend.

The pair made their way to the vehicle, parked one street over from where the party had been taking place, before another vehicle pulled up alongside them.

After seeing the vehicle, described as a dark-coloured Holden Commodore sedan, possibly an early 2000s model, the pair went to walk back towards the party.

While they were walking, the pair heard a shout from behind them and turned before seeing the passenger from the Commodore following them.

Police say there were 30 witnesses in the area at the time of the attack, including several drivers who drove past without stopping, and are appealing for them to identify these men

The two suspects are described as African in appearance and in their early 20s

Victoria Police spokesperson Amelia Penhall said one man was armed with a knife and the other two men threatened the victim and his friend.

They fled, but the victim fell into a gutter where he was stabbed, kicked, and punched, before the suspects fled.

The victim was then taken to Dandenong Hospital by friends, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries.

He had to stay in hospital for four days before being released, and has still not returned to work, according to 7 News.

Police say the men emerged from a Holden Commodore (pictured) before chasing after the victim and his friend before launching their attack

Police also want to speak to the driver of a light-coloured SUV (pictured) who drove along Ian Street at the time of the incident

While some people tried to defend the victim as he was attacked, others drove past in cars while he was being stabbed but failed to stop and help.

Officers are now calling on members of the Sudanese community in Melbourne to help identify two men and two vehicles pictured in the CCTV footage.

The two offenders are described as African in appearance and both aged in their early 20s.