An appeal has been issued for witnesses to an attack on a teenager in the Avery Hill area during which he was repeatedly punched with a knuckleduster.

The 18-year-old was left with a broken nose and a fractured eye socket after the assault, during which he was also sprayed with a noxious substance. Tests to verify the liquid are ongoing.

Police were called to a south east London hospital shortly before 1am on Saturday to reports of a man with serious facial injuries.

Officers believe the victim had been coming home on a 286 bus after a night out when he was targeted by three men as he got off at Bexley Road.

Police say that, after trying to escape the thugs, a confrontation ensued and the victim was punched repeatedly in the face by a man wearing a knuckleduster on his fist.

Another man pulled out a small bottle containing a clear liquid which he sprayed at the victim.

After the "unprovoked" attack, the three men are thought to have run off towards Avery Hill Road.

The victim managed to take himself to hospital where police were called.

The suspects are believed to be all white and aged between 18 and 25. They were all wearing tracksuits at the time.

The suspect who wore the knuckleduster is described as 5 ft 10 in with short blond hair. The other men are also said to have short blond hair and about 5 ft 8 in tall.

DC Dan Newbury said: “This is a truly vicious assault; the victim was minding his own business on his way home when these three males have confronted him and left him with injuries that are possibly life-changing.

“Were you in the area at this time? Did you see three males running towards Avery Hill Road? If so I would urge you to tell us what you saw as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the attack is urged to call 101 quoting reference 256/16 June.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.