Metropolitan Police have released CCTV footage of an attacker using a hunting knife to slash the face of man in west London.

In dramatic footage recorded on the surveillance camera of a house in Shadwell Drive, Northolt, the alleged attacker can be seen approaching his victim with a knife concealed behind his back.

Chilling CCTV captures moment knife-wielding attacker slashes victim's face #Ealing#Northolt Call 101 Ref: 212043 pic.twitter.com/ass0b5MqPZ — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 13, 2016

The police report states the victim was standing on the side of the road when he was approached by a group of men on bicycles. The alleged attacker can be seen saying something to the man before cutting the victim across the left side of his face.

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Backpedaling from the scene, he then points the knife at the victim, shouting something as he flees.

The victim required stitches to his left cheek after seeking medical attention at an east London hospital.

Police say they want to hear from anyone who may recognize the man or who witnessed the attack.

The attack occurred at 6.24pm local time on May 1 on Shadwell Drive.

The suspect is described as a black man wearing blue jeans, a blue jumper and a black jacket.

A report released in August showed crime involving guns and knives in London is at its highest level since riots swept England’s major cities in summer 2011.

Violent crime among young people has risen steadily in recent years, after a significant drop immediately following the widespread unrest five years ago.