A HIGH-FLYING student was moments from death after being stabbed three times and beaten around the head on a bus while passengers looked on.

The 17-year-old A-level student was knifed in the back three times and beaten with a baton by a gang of about 10 youths on a 202 bus heading from Crystal Palace to Blackheath.

He dragged himself off the bus in Kirkdale, Sydenham, and staggered home before collapsing with a punctured lung.

His mother says she is horrified and angry her son almost died in the street and no-one stopped to help him.

About six other passengers are thought to have been on the bus as the gang stole the boy's mobile phone, bus pass and a trainer before getting off at the junction of Wells Park Road and Kirkdale.

The victim, who has applied to study psychology at a London University, left his blood-soaked seat and made for his home, where his mother called an ambulance.

She said: "I can't believe this has happened to my son. He's not the type of kid to carry a knife or get involved in gangs. He's just a normal boy.

"Now I feel I never want him to go out again. It's hard to think there were people who saw him and did nothing. My son was minutes away from dying in the street."

Lewisham's robbery squad is appealing for anyone who was on the bus, or saw the incident, on February 24 at about 8.30pm, to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "This was a very vicious attack and the victim was seriously injured. He is very poorly. I would ask anyone who saw anything to contact us. We believe about six people could have been on the bus and we would particularly like to speak to them."

Call police on 020 8284 5133 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 with information.