A shop assistant was stabbed when he asked two people to show proof of age as they tried to buy cigarettes.

The 32-year-old was stabbed in the leg while he manned the shop in Bounds Green Road on February 5 at 9.30pm.

Two people entered and asked for some cigarettes, but when he requested ID, one became angry.

He was asked to leave and an altercation occurred as the victim tried to evict the man from the store.

The second man tried to break up the altercation.

Once outside the store, the victim discovered that he had been stabbed in the leg.

The victim was treated at the scene before being taken to a north London hospital but he has since been discharged.

The suspect is described as black, aged between 15 and 17 years old, 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build.

He was wearing grey tracksuit trousers, a light grey hooded top, a black jacket with a fur hood, a black baseball cap and grey trainers.

Detective Constable Sarah Ward, from Haringey CID, said: “The shop assistant asked for proof of the suspect’s age and, not wishing to lose the shops licence, he challenged him as he thought he was underage.

"He did not expect to be assaulted and stabbed as a result.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Haringey CID on 020 3276 3074 or the police non-emergency line on 101 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or by Tweeting @MetCC