A TEENAGER is fighting for his life after he was stabbed near a North East pub.

Emergency services were called to Houghton-le-Spring last night after an 18-year-old was critically injured.

It happened outside the Britannia Inn on Newbottle Street and police said three youths have been arrested in connection with the incident.

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The area is today, the last day of the Houghton Feast, taped off by police with inquiries ongoing.

Inspector Joanne Brooks, Northumbria Police’s senior investigating officer, said: “Shortly after 9.30pm yesterday, we received a report of an altercation outside the Britannia Inn, Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Spring.

“Emergency services attended and found an 18-year-old man with an injury consistent with a stabbing.

"The male was rushed to hospital, where he remains in a life-threatening condition.

"His family are currently being supported by specialist officers and we will continue to offer them any support they need.

"We continue to carry out enquiries to understand the circumstances and three youths have now been arrested on suspicion of wounding. They remain in police custody at this time.

“People may have been present at the time of the incident. We would appeal to anyone present there to come forward to us."

To help police call 101, quoting log NP-20211016-1193 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

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