The 25-year-old man had been standing outside the Quix service station on Popondetta Road, Whalan at about 2am.

Policed said that he and his friend were then approached by several men asking for a cigarette.

The man refused, although his friend offered them one, and both walked away.

The group of men followed and a fight ensued in Popondetta Road, Emerton.

The man was then stabbed in his lower right jaw and suffered cuts to his left eye socket.

He ran away to the nearby Cedars Tavern, where security guards stopped his attackers pursuing him.

He was later treated in hospital.

Police later patrolled the area and arrested an 18-year-old Dharruk man, who was charged with affray and bailed to appear in Penrith Local Court on May 14.

Police appealed to anyone who has more information about this incident to contact Mt Druitt detectives on 9675 0699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.