Police have released CCTV images of a group of youths they want to talk to about a horrific stabbing at a railway station.

On May 3 just before 8.30pm a 19-year-old man was approached by five Afro-Caribbean youths on bicycles while he was standing on platform two of Thornton Heath station in Brigstock Road.

He suffered a six-inch stab wound and was rushed to St George's Hospital in Tooting where he had to have part of his liver removed. He has since been released and is recovering at home.

Detective Inspector Karl Skrzypiec said: "Police have been involved in an extensive investigation into the incident and are appealing to members of the public to help identify several people who may be key to providing information in relation to this crime."

The five youths shown in the CCTV images were at the station at the time of the stabbing.

They are described as being of slim build and aged between 15 and 17 years of age. One was wearing a bright red cap, white t-shirt and blue jeans. Another was wearing a black cap, black top and jeans while a third had a black woollen hat, black top and jeans.

A fourth member of the group was wearing blue jeans and a white hooded top pulled over his head and another had a loose grey top and blue jeans.

A week after the Thornton Heath attack a 40-year-old man was stabbed repeatedly at Norbury station.

He suffered a collapsed lung and was rushed to hospital but is now recovering.

George Smith, 42, of Croydon, was arrested by British Transport Police in Hampshire last Wednesday in connection with the Norbury stabbing and was charged with wounding with intent.

He is due to appear at Croydon Magistrates' Court today.

If you have any information about the Thornton Heath incident call 020 7391 5275 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.