Police hunt video game attacker

Police are hunting a hooded man who stabbed a passer-by as he waited to buy a new edition of a notoriously violent computer game.

A passer by was stabbed by a man waiting to buy a violent video game A passer-by was stabbed by a man waiting to buy a violent video game

Up to 100 people witnessed the knife attack as they queued ahead of the midnight release of Grand Theft Auto IV.

The 23-year-old victim was attacked as he passed the queue outside Gamestation, in George Street, Croydon, at about 11pm.

Police said he did not call for help but a witness informed police who found him a short distance away.

He was taken to a south London hospital for treatment to several stab wounds, a spokeswoman said. He has since been discharged.

The creators of the hugely successful Grand Theft Auto series have come under fire for their depiction of casual violence, drug dealing and prostitution.

More than 70 million copies in the series have already been sold and the 18 certificate fourth instalment is expected to rake in more than £200 million.

Detective Inspector Liz Baker, of Croydon CID, said: "We are looking at CCTV from the area and believe there were in the region of 50 to 100 people in the queue. We are sure many of them will have seen what happened.

"I urge them to make contact with police as they may hold vital information to help us track down the suspect.

"He is described as a light skinned black man aged about 21 years old, 6ft 5ins tall, of medium build wearing a light grey hooded top with his hood up."

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