Shocking footage emerged earlier this week of a man pulling out a "zombie knife" as he tried to break into a car in Croydon.

No arrests have been made into the London Road attack as police continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

But in a letter addressed to the Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Croydon North MP Steve Reed says a "full review" into the lack of resources and police to prevent these types of attacks is needed.

"Yesterday (May 30) a cyclist in Croydon pulled out a large knife and attempted to smash a car window to get at the driver," the letter said.

"This is the latest in a long series of knife attacks across London, many of which have proved fatal.

"Footage of this terrifying incident has been widely circulated and many of my constituents are concerned that our police and public service lack the resources needed to prevent this kind of incident.

"Given the rapid escalation in knife crime it is clear that more must be done to stop young people getting involved.

"I urge you to conduct a full review of the number of the police officer on our streets, and of resources available to services involved in prevention such as youth services, family support, mental health and schools.

"Funding for all these services has been drastically cut since 2010 and are now insufficient to stop the growth in violent youth crime. There needs to be a comprehensive review of resourcing and coordination across all services to tackle this crisis and offer the public the reassurance they need.

"I would be grateful if you could set out what action is being taken to bring together the relevant services including the police to keep people safe and to review the adequacy of resources available to them."

The incident occurred at about 5pm and video showed a cyclist pull up alongside the victim, a 19-year-old man.

In an attempt to escape the victim then drove off and crash into another car.

He then fled his car on foot and was followed by the suspect, however there were no injuries.

The victim later returned to his car after the suspect made off.

Detective Inspector David Willis of Croydon borough, said: "I am aware of the video footage of this incident circulating in the media and I would like to reassure the Croydon community that knife crime will not be tolerated.

"Fortunately, nobody was injured in this incident, but the large knife seen in the footage has no place on the streets of London. We are treating this crime as an attempted grievous bodily harm and we have a number of active lines of enquiry."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about it should call police on Croydon CID on 07769 922321, or 101 quoting reference CAD5382 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.