A man is wanted for questioning by police over a late-night stabbing.

The victim, a north Durham man, who has not been named, was attacked as he walked under a road bridge on the disused railway line between Consett and Leadgate.

He heard voices, then a man stepped out of the shadows. He began to abuse the walker and threw mock punches at him, then lunged and stabbed his victim in the chest.

The victim fled, pursued by several people, but managed to lose them.

He was later treated in hospital for a small stab wound to the chest, which required stitches.

His attacker is described as white, aged about 20, 6ft 2in, with blond hair. He had wide shoulders and a slim waist. His face was red and he possibly suffers from eczema. At the time of the attack, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, August 14, he was wearing trousers, a long sleeved cream coloured shirt and a cream coloured beanie hat with a black motif on one side.

Anyone with information can contact PC Stephen Dobbison, at Consett police station, on 0845 606 0365, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.