The man had driven to Bestway cash and carry on Beddington Farm Road at about 8.45am on Monday. As he got out of his van he was approached by a man he says he had never seen before who was shouting "do you want to die"?

He continued to shout in an aggressive and incoherent manner before pulling out a four inch dagger from his pocket and repeatedly trying to stab the shop owner in the mouth and head.

The victim then manage to disarm his attacker who fled to his car parked in the Bestway car park.

The victim, who is now recovering at home, suffered cuts to both hands as he tried to fend off the man. He also received stab wounds to his right leg and his head as well as to his mouth. Police now believe the attack was a vicious attempt at robbery. The attacker fled in a red saloon type car which may have been a Rover.

He is described as 6ft, well built, black, aged about 45, with short dark hair. He was wearing a black jacket, dark trousers and a black woollen hat. Anyone with any information should call the police on 020 8649 0454 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.