NSW Police have launched a manhunt for a machete-wielding attacker who slashed two men outside an Oxford Street nightclub in the heart of Sydney’s LGBTIQ+ mecca.

The attack left a 25-year-old man in a serious condition after being stabbed multiple times outside what is believed to be the Noir Sydney venue in Surry Hills shortly after 3am on Saturday.

A 34-year-old male bystander who went to the victim’s aid was also stabbed.

The incident has heightened fears of homophobic attackers harassing Oxford street revellers.

Youth Against Violence founder Ouwais Menzel urged police to be more proactive in keeping the area around Taylor Square secure, citing a recent upsurge in harassment and physical violence.

“I hope that the NSW Police will now take the violence on Oxford Street seriously after two men were stabbed,” he told news.com.au.

Three crime scenes

The attacker fled the scene on foot in the company of several other males, police said in a statement on Sunday.

The younger man was driven by friends to St Vincent’s Hospital with multiple stab wounds. He remains in a serious but stable condition.

The 34-year-old man received treatment to his left arm and right hand and is also in a stable condition.

Officers secured three crime scenes along Oxford St and seized the vehicle in which the younger man was taken to hospital.

Detectives have established Strike Force Jacob to investigate the attack and are urging witnesses or anyone who has mobile phone or dashcam footage to contact police.

-with AAP