Detectives have launched a manhunt after two men were knifed in the back in separate attacks on the same road in east London.

The first victim, aged 25, told police the knifeman had stepped out in front of him in Longbridge Road, Barking, and stabbed him once before running away. The attack took place at 8.30pm on 15 November.

The victim, who went to a north London hospital for treatment, described the attacker as about 6ft tall and wearing a brown hoody, “sporty trousers” and trainers.

On 21 November, a 47-year-old man was stabbed in the back in the same road at 9.45pm.

The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance and required surgery.

He described the attacker as a black male, of slim build, 5ft 3ins tall, and wearing a grey hoody, dark trousers and grey trainers.

Scotland Yard said it was “considering the possibility that the two incidents are linked although this is unconfirmed at this time”.

The stabbings come amid debate over rising knife crime in the capital and the police use of step-and-search tactics.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with further information to contact them on 101.