A  youth who was stabbed in the back and found in North Kensington has refused to co-operate with police.

The man, who police say is younger than 20, was found at 4am on Sunday morning in St Ann's Road and taken to hospital. He told police he did not want their help.

It is thought he had been involved in an argument with a group of youths from Shepherd's Bush.

The police used special powers under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Disorder Act to stop and search anyone they suspected of being involved in the attack until 8.30am on Monday.

The area these powers covered extended into three boroughs - Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Ealing.

Chief Inspector Jeremy Blood, of K&C police, speculated on reasons behind victims refusing to co-operate, saying that cases like this can be gang related, although he does not think this one is.

"Some people might not wish to go through the criminal justice system, or might decide to take their own form of retribution. Some people won't get involved with police for other reasons. We will investigate this crime, even if the victim is not willing to assist," he said.

The victim's injuries were not life-threatening and he has been discharged from Charing Cross Hospital in Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith.

Call Notting Hill CID on 020 8246 0231 with any information.