A woman has described using a tea towel to save the life of a young man who came into a Chinese restaurant after he was stabbed in the chest.

Charlie Finch, 21 - a vehicle technician from Footscray - was rushed to hospital in a serious condition after an attack near Wellington Parade, Blackfen, at around 9.30pm on June 19.

Following the incident, he made his way to Wellington Chinese, Blackfen Road, where Carole Stevens, 53, was dining with her partner. 

Ms Stevens, from Brockley told News Shopper: "We were going over to get some Chinese and had ordered some food.

"These three lads came running down. They came into the Chinese. 

"One of them was saying: 'My mate's been stabbed'."

The 53-year-old rushed to help Mr Finch, who slumped over in a chair, while an ambulance was called.

She said: "I laid him down and asked the guy who worked there for a tea towel.

"I put the towel across his chest to stop the bleeding. He was dropping in and out of consciousness.

"It was around 10 minutes before the ambulance arrived.

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"When the ambulance turned up the paramedics told me to keep holding the wound while they put the drip in.

"I was very shocked, very surprised and shocked.

"He was going very grey. There was quite a bit of blood. 

"I didn't know if he was going to be alright." 

Sally Brinson 56, from Sidcup, also helped Mr Finch, holding his hand and trying to keep him conscious.

Mr Finch's mum, Sue Finch, got in touch with News Shopper after the incident, and said: "I spoke to the ambulance people and she said it was really, really important because they stemmed the bleeding.

"They knew exactly what to do, thank god.

"I do district nursing myself so I know how important it is for people to be first aid aware. Being first on the scene, it’s up to you.

"I very grateful, that's all I can say."

She added she hopes Mr Finch will make a full recovery.

A 17-year-old boy from Eltham has been charged with GBH and possession of a firearm, and appeared at Bexley Magistrates' Court last month.

An 18-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of GBH, has been bailed until mid-August.