Police are appealing for witnesses and information after three sixth formers were attacked and robbed at knife point in Stratford.

Police officers were called at around 12.40 on Friday to reports that two students had been stabbed in Jupp Road, at the junction with Lett Road. The students, who are sixth formers at the London Academy of Excellence, were on their breaktime when they were approached by a man who demanded their mobile phones.

They were taken by London Ambulance Service to an east London hospital and were discharged after treatment. One of the boys sustained head injuries and required stitches.

The suspect is described as a black male, aged in his early twenties, with a short beard. He was wearing a blue hooded top with a black jacket over the top.

DS Mick Townsend, from Newham CID, said: “This was a random and violent attack on three students. This incident happened in broad daylight. I would urge anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward, no matter how insignificant they may think their information is.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information that could assist police should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.