Shopper knifed as gangs clash at Selfridges

The 18-year-old was attacked after a fight between two groups of youths in the menswear department of the Oxford Street store.

He was taken to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington and a section of the first floor was closed while police scoured the area for forensic evidence.

The attack happened just after 2pm. The teenager was later discharged and is now recovering at home.

Police arrested two 21-year-old men and a 20-year-old man, who were all taken to a central London police station and bailed to return next month.

Detectives from Marylebone CID are examining CCTV footage from the store to discover how the fight began.

One shopper said: "The stabbing was the talk of the men's department for the rest of the day. I saw two workers in the boutique going on about it. They were told off by their boss because all the customers could hear." A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "A small section of the first floor was closed to allow us to investigate fully and reopened at approximately 4pm."

Selfridges would not comment on the attack.

The stabbing marred an otherwise successful day for Selfridges which reported its best ever takings from the post-Christmas sales.

Many shoppers began queuing in the small hours to ensure they were the first through the doors when the store opened its doors at 4.30am.