A woman was stabbed in front of her baby on a bus in south London today.

The woman is in stable condition in a south London hospital after the incident on a Number 3 bus at Brixton Road about 10.45am today.

She boarded the bus, heading for Brixton from the Oval, with a friend and her baby, when a man grabbed her handbag and jumped off the bus.

The man was then chased by the woman and her friend, who managed to get the bag back.

They then got back on the bus, but were followed by the man.

He then stabbed the woman about six or seven times, police said.

He was last seen running off down Brixton Road toward Vassell Road.

The woman was taken to hospital and remains in stable condition.

“Her five-month-old baby didn't sustain any injuries and is currently being cared for by other members of their family,” police said.

The suspect is described as a black male, aged in his mid twenties and wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt.

Anyone with information should contact CID Kennington on 020 8649 2484 where all calls will be treated in the strictest confidence. However, if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.