Man critical after race hate stabbing

An Algerian man is fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly in what appears to have been a racist attack which took place in front of his horrified wife.

An Algerian man is fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly in what appears to have been a racist attack which took place in front of his horrified wife.

The couple had seen in the New Year at a restaurant in London's West End and were leaving when the attack happened at 12.30am.

Police said an argument involving racist language developed between the Algerian and a man on the street.

With his wife by his side, the 38-year-old victim was stabbed repeatedly in the head, neck and chest, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

He was today "critical" in intensive care at a London hospital.

Police said they were treating the attack - on the corner of Old Compton Street and Greek Street, Soho - as racially-motivated attempted murder and were hunting a black man seen running from the scene.

He was described as aged 26 to 28 and about 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins tall.

It is understood the suspect's face was injured during the confrontation.

Police appealed for witnesses - one of whom is believed to have videotaped the attack - to contact the incident room on 020 7437 1212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.