A HOUSEHOLDER was stabbed in the early hours of Thursday after disturbing a burglar in his home.

The man, who lives alone, was sleeping in his house in Lenin Terrace, Chopwell, Gatehead, when he was disturbed by a noise downstairs at around 2.30am

He went down the stairs and was confronted in his kitchen by an intruder wielding a knife.

The man, said to be aged about 30, lunged at the victim, cutting his hand with the blade, before running into the yard. As the burglar fled, the victim saw a second man waiting in the yard.

Some cash and medication, which is not thought to be dangerous, was taken.

Police say the man with the knife had a distinctive appearance - his front teeth appeared to be missing and he had a noticeable lump, spot or abscess on the right side of his face.

Anyone who was in the area at the time or who has any informtion is asked to ring Gateshead CID on (0191) 454 7555 ext 64111.