POLICE are appealing for help to identify a man who was stabbed to death.

The victim, who is believed to be in his late twenties or early thirties, was found outside Captain Fish and Chip Shop on High Street, Walthamstow, near the junction with Hoe Street, at 10.25pm last night (Sunday).

An air ambulance attended, but paramedics were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men were seen running from the area towards Walthamstow bus station shortly after the attack.

The dead man, who is described as black, wearing blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a black puffer jacket, has yet to be identified.

A post mortem is due to take place at 10am tomorrow at Walthamstow Mortuary.

Police are still gathering evidence at the scene.

An large area is cordoned off between Hoe street and Walthamstow library, which is shut.

Many businesses in the area are also closed.

Passers-by told the Guardian of their shock at the murder.

Angela Dalligan, 44, of Wood Street, Walthamstow said: "This is absolutely disgusting, it seems to be getting worse by the day, we are becoming like America. "I bet it was an argument over something stupid, like a mobile phone or a can of beer."

David Fenwick, 23, of Leyton High Road, said: "It used to be rare to see police tape, but we see it more often now, it is sad."

An incident room under Det Chief Insp Phil Rickells has been set up.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or believes they may have information to identify the deceased is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 1570.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.