Police are appealing to passengers on a bus in Tulse Hill who witnessed the shooting and stabbing of a 15-year-old boy.

Some 15 to 20 passengers were on a 432 bus in Christchurch Road on Friday, September 10, when the teenager was grabbed from behind, spun around and attacked as he tried to get on the vehicle.

He was shot in the face with a modified blank-firing gun, which embedded homemade ammunition in his cheek.

He was also stabbed several times with a knife.

He had wounds to his lower abdomen, pancreas, kidney and thigh.

The teen ran on to the bus, which was at the stop opposite Tulse Hill Methodist Church.

He ran upstairs to join friends, before collapsing in front of passengers.

Police believe the attack may be gang-related.

His attacker is described as a black man, about 6ft, wearing a light grey hooded top, blue denim jeans and white trainers.

He left the scene on foot, heading north up Christchurch Road towards Streatham Hill.

Police said all passengers on the bus had left the scene before they arrived.

They are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the south shootings office in confidence on 020 8785 8580 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The teen has now left hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

The knife has since been recovered. A gun has not been found, but a blank cartridge shell was found at the scene.