AN England cricket star was left needing stitches after he was slashed with a bottle during an attack in a North-East pub last month, it was revealed yesterday.

Durham fast bowler Steve Harmison, 23, was taken to hospital by ambulance when a broken bottle was pushed in his face in an unprovoked assault.

The attack left Harmison with a cut on his nose and narrowly missed his eyes.

England A star Harmison was drinking with friends in Bedlington, Northumberland, after England's World Cup qualifier against Greece on October 6.

A witness said: "They were just minding their own business, when this bloke walked in brandishing a broken bottle.

"He seemed to pick on them because they were near the door. The bottle was pushed into Steve's face and he was badly cut."

Harmison, from Ashington, Northumberland, was cut close to his eyes - an injury to which could have ruined his sporting career.

Harmison was taken to Wansbeck General Hospital but was released after treatment.

He said: "I want to put it behind me. I just want to forget about it and concentrate on my cricket."