Story By:  Ana Marjanovic, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency:  Newsflash

A British holidaymaker is fighting for life after a gang of thugs savagely stabbed him seven times to get his mobile phone.

Shocking CCTV footage of the attack shows the gang stalking victim Alister Gray, 32, after he left a bar in Istanbul, Turkey, in the early hours of the morning.

The civil engineer – now fighting for life in hospital – is approached from behind by one of the gang who tried to snatch the phone out of his hand on 21st May.

As he fights back, the rest of the gang moves in and chases the now terrified tourist as he flees.

Earlier Gray had been at a local bar before walking along Istiklal Street to the underground station at around 2.30am to return to his hotel in the district of Sirkeci.

Local media reports that Gray suffered serious injuries to his neck and chest after being stabbed seven times.

The British tourist is being treated at Okmeydani Hospital where he is said to be in a critical condition.

Gray told police: “Four people tried to take my mobile phone on the street.

“When I resisted, they stabbed me and took my mobile phone and ran away.”

Using local CCTV footage, the police have managed to identify four suspects who all have criminal records.

Enes Yoldas, Seyithan Erdem, Abdurrahman Baydak, and U.A., reportedly a minor, were arrested in a raid carried out the next day.

Gray continues to battle for his life in hospital as the investigation continues.