Police have released CCTV and images of a man they would like to trace after a man was stabbed after he attempted to sell his laptop.

The incident took place on Saturday, 14 January at a premises in High Road, N12.

The victim, a man in his 40s, had advertised his Apple Macbook Pro laptop for sale via a website. The suspect responded to the advert and arranged to meet the victim at his place of work on 14 January to finalise the sale.

At around 19:00hrs the suspect arrived and the victim showed him the laptop. Once they had agreed a price, the suspect asked the victim to write him a receipt although he had not yet paid for the laptop. The victim declined and began to feel uneasy about the suspect.

He picked up his laptop and, as he began to walk away, the suspect grabbed him before stating he was in possession of a knife. In the ensuing struggle the suspect grabbed the laptop and stabbed the victim twice; once in the back and once in the shoulder.

The suspect fled the scene and the victim called police. He was taken to hospital for treatment and subsequently discharged.

The suspect is described as a black man of large build, approximately 5ft 10inches tall with stubble and a scar on his right cheek – he spoke with a London accent. He was wearing a grey, casual jacket and a cream coloured flat cap – he was carrying a small black leather bag.

DC Hussain Ahmed of Barnet Police said:

“This appears to be a calculated and violent attack with an element of preplanning. The suspect attending the meeting armed with a knife and showed no hesitation of using it to steal the laptop. He has left his victim devastated.

“Whoever carried out this attack is a dangerous man and I would appeal to anyone who recognises him to call police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Barnet Police via [insert number] or tweet @MetCC. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.