A teenager was stabbed in Thornton Heath yesterday after a row broke out between him and another player in a football game.

The 17-year-old had been playing in the six-a-side game on a hard court in Thornton Heath Recreation Ground at about 5.15pm, when he became involved in an argument with the player. The argument escalated and he was stabbed.

The London Ambulance Service LAS attended and took him to hospital with a stab wound to the upper body. He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The incident was seen by a large number of people, but officers are keen to hear from anyone who can help identify the suspect.

He is described as a black man, aged between 20 and 25 years old, about 5ft 7in and has a distinctive large afro hairstyle. He was wearing a black and brown striped t-shirt, black jeans and trainers. He ran off towards Melfort Road.

The game was not thought to be part of a formal football league.

Anyone with information is asked to call Croydon CID on 020 8649 0090, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Were you one of the other players in the game? Phone our newsdesk on 020 8329 9322 or 020 8330 9557 or leave a comment in the feature below.