A teenager was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in Lewisham Shopping Centre.

The centre was forced to close after the 16-year-old victim was attacked shortly after 4.30pm on Monday.

The victim was taken to an east London hospital and is now in a stable condition, police said.

Onlookers described on social media how blood could be seen at the shopping centre.

One user wrote: "Pools of blood around the centre, it's disgusting, seriously hope the boy is alright."

Police mounted on horses were seen standing outside the entrance to the closed complex.

A London Ambulance spokeswoman said: "We were called at 4.42pm to reports of a stabbing on Lewisham High Street today.

"We sent multiple resources to the scene including an incident response officer, an ambulance crew, two fast response cars and London's Air Ambulance, with the first of our staff arriving in seven minutes.

"A male was sent as priority to a major trauma centre."

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident.

Detective Sergeant Jo Ross, the investigating officer, said: "We are appealing for anyone who was in or around the area at the time of the incident, who may or seen or heard anything to contact us."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information are asked to contact DS Ross on 020 8247 4863, or Trident via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.