Police have launched an urgent manhunt after two teenage schoolgirls were stabbed in Croydon this week in two different incidents which police are treating as linked.

On Friday morning (November 6) officers were called to reports of an injured girl in St Paul's Road at 8.23am.

Upon arrival, a 15-year-old girl was found with a stab wound to her arm - which was reported to have been inflicted by a complete stranger who approached her.

Your Local Guardian:

Police released three still images along with video footage

She was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital, where her condition was not described as life-threatening.

It comes after a previous incident on Wednesday (November 4) at 8.50am, when police were called to reports of an injured girl in Moffat Road.

At the scene a 15-year-old girl had, again, been approached by a stranger and stabbed in the leg.

Your Local Guardian:

The victim was taken to hospital where her condition was confirmed as not life threatening.

Police said the victims both go to separate schools and at this stage it is not thought they are known to each other.

Detective Inspector David Adams of South Area Command said:

“These attacks are almost identical in nature and I am confident that they are linked.

“I have taken the decision to release a clip that was captured by a witness to the second incident and appeal for the community to tell us who this individual is.

Your Local Guardian:

“We are doing everything they can to identify and apprehend this suspect and enhanced patrols are being conducted in the area at the start and end of the school day.

“Please do contact police or speak with officers on patrol if you have concerns or information.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 1294/06NOV.

To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers_uk.org.