A MAN was "stabbed in the bum" on the platform of Leytonstone Underground station tonight.

Police closed off the eastbound platform after passer-bys said they saw blood on the platform and a group of youths running from the station just before 7pm. 

Officers cordoned off an area around a bench on the platform, which was strewn with blood-stained clothes.

Many rush hour commuters witnessed the aftermath, with some onlookers claiming they saw the victim immediately after the stabbing.

Scotland Yard confirmed they were called to the station to reports of a stabbing at 6.52pm.

Officers made their way to the platform and found a man suffering from a stab wound to his buttocks.

The victim, who is in his 30s, was taken to a central London hospital by ambulance.

His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Three males and a female were seen fleeing the station, making off towards upper Leytonstone in the direction of Fairlop Road.

Inside the ticket hall, Rafiq Khan, who works at the newsagents by the barriers, said he saw the group run out of the station. 

He said: "I saw some girls and some boys near the barrier and run off.

"After a few minutes the police came.

"They were all young and they looked white.

"Afterwards we found out that somebody got stabbed at the platform.

"We are shocked, they way they ran out makes us all scared and fearful."

A police helicopter is now circling above Fairlop Road and the surrounding area in search of the suspects.