Staff in a chicken shop frantically tried to stop a teenage boy from bleeding to death after he was chased into their shop and stabbed by a gang of youths.

The 16-year-old boy, who is recovering in hospital, ran into EFC takeaway in Burdett Road, Poplar in an attempt to flee the group but was attacked shortly after 9pm on Saturday.

Monuhor Ali, joint owner of the takeaway, said staff working that night were shaking as they attempted to stem the flow of blood from the boy’s chest.

He said: “I was in the kitchen and I heard a noise. He ran inside and just collapsed.

“He was bleeding from his mouth and we were trying to control it and put pressure on his chest. We were shaking.

“He came in here from time to time and was a very polite boy. This area is getting worse. They must bring these people to justice. We just come here to work and for ordinary people it’s very scary.”

The teenager, who lives locally, was with a small group of friends shortly before the attack.

They were approached by someone from another group and then chased.

While the other youngsters managed to scatter, the victim fled in the direction of the takeaway.

Police said in a statement: “The suspects - numbering perhaps three or four youths - followed him and he was stabbed.”

His was in a critical state days after the attack but his condition is now said to be stable.

Officers from Tower Hamlets Violent Crime Unit are investigating and appealing for witnesses.

DC Christina Jessah said: “We would urge anyone with any information or who witnessed the incident to come forward.”

Information to 0207 275 4546 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11