A MAN has been stabbed in the leg with a screwdriver after confronting a thief outside his Middlesbrough home.

The 26-year-old victim noticed that the door to his vehicle was open at around 11.30pm on Saturday, September 27 on Belvedere Road, Beechwood and when he went to investigate he saw an unknown man was inside his silver Volkswagen Golf.

The suspect pushed the victim away, striking a blow to his leg. The offender then made off, with the victim in pursuit for a short time until he realised he had been stabbed, believed to be with a screwdriver.

The victim attended James Cook University Hospital, where he received three stitches to the wound.

A cash card and a small amount of cash had been taken from the vehicle.

The suspect is described as a white male, no taller than 6 feet and was wearing a black Berghaus jacket and black bottoms.

Detective Sergeant Guy Newnam, from Middlesbrough Volume Crime Team, said: “This was a nasty attack on a man who has been left in shock and understandably upset by what has happened. We would appeal to any local residents who may have seen anyone suspicious around the time of the incident.”

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact DS Newnam on the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.