A HOODED knifeman stabbed a builder in the chest in front of horrified shoppers in an apparently random attack in a busy street.

The thug struck in Upper Street, opposite the McDonald’s on Highbury Corner, at 5.05pm on Saturday. He approached the 28-year-old builder from behind, stabbed him then fled in an unknown direction.

The victim staggered around the corner to Tesco in Holloway Road, where staff phoned police and an ambulance.

He was taken to hospital suffering from a single puncture wound to the chest, but his injuries are described as non life threatening or changing.

He told police he had no idea why he was attacked, but the knifeman wore a hooded top.

Anyone who saw what happened should call Detective Constable Bridget Neal on 0207 421 0296 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.