A SECURITY guard was stabbed while heroically trying to stop a robbery at a restaurant in Edgware Road this week.

The terrifying incident happened at around 2am on Monday at Maroush restaurant, close to Marble Arch.

The 34-year-old was standing guard outside the Lebanese eaterie with a companion when he was approached by a lone man who launched a completely unprovoked attack.

In a bid to break into the property, the armed thug knifed the security man under his arm, while also slashing his hands.

A senior manager at Maroush, Nameh Kalil, said: “He was trying to prevent a robbery and he got stabbed. He’s worked here for about two years now.”

DC Adam Hewitt, who is investigating the case, condemned the levels of violence used in the assault.

“Obviously robberies happen in Westminster, but this seems over the top,” he said.

After sustaining serious injuries, the guard was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington for emergency treatment.

Police say he is still in hospital but remains in a stable condition.

The suspect, who made off empty handed, is described as a black man, aged around 30, 5ft 9ins tall and he was wearing a grey hoodie, black jeans, black woolly hat and carrying a bag.

DS Jim Seager, of Westminster robbery squad, said: “This was a particularly violent attack and we are extremely keen to trace the man responsible.”

Anyone with information should call officers on 020-7321 6744.