Police are appealing for witnesses following a stabbing outside a West Croydon pub in which a man's face was left severely scarred.

Croydon police believe there were several witnesses to the attack, many of whom know the man they say slashed a 45 year old Croydon man across the face outside the New Inn pub at the junction of Mitcham Road and Sumner Road, at about 9.15pm, on Friday, December 7.

The victim was drinking in the pub and the suspect and another customer left the pub, a police spokesman said.

A fight took place and the victim intervened, when he was slashed across the face with a razor sharp knife and was stabbed three times in the side of his chest.

The wound on his face was severe, extending across his entire left cheek to his ear.

He was taken by ambulance to Mayday Hospital, but was transferred to St George's Hospital in Tooting for specialist treatment.

The suspect is described as about 38, male, white, and believed to be known locally.

Investigating officer PC Richard McDonagh, from Croydon CID, said the victim was recovering from plastic surgery which took place over the weekend, and though the wounds will leave him permanently scarred, they are not life threatening.

He added: "It is going to take the victim some time to recover and he will be severely scarred.

"We would appreciate the assistance of the local community as we believe the suspect is known in the area.

"All help would be gratefully and confidentially received."

Contact PC McDonagh on 020 8667 1212 or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

December 17, 2001 09:30