A man accused of slashing another man in the face with a knife during an attempted robbery in the City of London has appeared in court.

Louis Parkinson, from Catherall Street in Highbury, is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B controlled drug.

On Tuesday, prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that 25-year-old Parkinson and an accomplice were cycling around Bishopsgate at 9am on October 6, trying to snatch phones from people’s hands.

The court heard members of the public tried to detain them after a person cried out during an alleged attempted robbery.

The accomplice is said to have knifed various people, before passing the blade to Parkinson, who slashed a man in the face, which required 52 stitches, the court was told.

Parkinson, wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

No pleas were indicated.

He will next appear at Inner London Crown Court on November 8.

City of London Police said officers are hunting for a second person and their investigation continues.

Three people were injured as members of the public tried to intervene to stop a man’s phone being stolen.

Witnesses reported seeing a group of two or three masked knifemen attacking a pedestrian just before 10am.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.