A woman was in a serious condition in hospital last night after being stabbed repeatedly.

Police say they are seeking a particular individual in connection with the attack on the 42-year-old, in the garden of her home.

Officers were called to Larchwood Gardens, in the Lobley Hill area of Gateshead, at 4.25pm on Sunday after a member of the public called to say a woman was being attacked in the back garden of her house.

Last night, police said the woman was in a serious but stable condition after suffering a number of stab wounds.

Detectives said they were following a number of lines of inquiry in relation to the incident.