Police have revealed a teenager who was attacked on the top deck of a bus on Friday was stabbed 37 times and left blind in one eye.

The horrific incident, which left the 17-year-old in a critical condition, took place on the 432 bus as it pulled into Ernest Avenue near Norwood bus garage hours before another teenager was murdered.

The bus attack came in the middle of an escalation of violence, which culminated in the death of student Kwame Ofosu-Asare five hours later.

Police have analysed CCTV footage from the bus and have now identified the man they believe to be the attacker.

Details of that attack were revealed at a meeting of the Lambeth Community and Police Consultative Group last night.

Speaking at the meeting, Lambeth’s borough commander, Chief Superintendent Matt Bell, said: “[The victim] was stabbed at least 37 times. He is blind in one eye now.

“We now have a very clear idea of who the suspect is. That suspect is being very actively sought. It is an ongoing manhunt. But we will find him.”

Police believe the killing of A-level student Kwame Ofosu-Asare on the Moorlands Estate in Brixton later the same day may have been a ‘revenge attack’ by a rival gang.

Chief Supt Bell said officers were investigating links between the attacks.

He said: “The incidents may or may not be linked. I suspect they are. But we won’t know that until we are in a position to interview the people involved.”

Kwame had been recording at a music studio with a friend before two youths began chasing them across the estate.

His friend managed to scale a wall and avoid being attacked but Kwame was stabbed multiple times.

Chief Supt Bell appealed to the community for anyone with information to speak to police.

“[The police] have been surprised by the lack of information coming forward,” he said. “Normally they would expect more information. They have identified someone they are really interested in speaking to.”

Police arrested 10 more suspected gang members in Lambeth today. Four people were arrested in similar raids yesterday.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Kwame’s murder.

A 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were arrested and bailed until a later date in connection with the West Norwood stabbing.

Anyone with information should call 020 8721 4205 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Tell us what you think about the recent spate of stabbings in Lambeth. Call the news desk on 02087226337.