A 29-YEAR-OLD has been charged in relation with a town-centre attack in which a man was stabbed repeatedly in the street.

Dale Robinson, 29, of Firtree, in Shildon, County Durham, will appear before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe today charged with wounding with intent and violent disorder at the weekend.

Three other local men - aged 41, 33 and 31 - who were arrested on the night of the attack have since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Police were called to Newton Aycliffe at about 10.15pm on Saturday after receiving reports of a man being chased along Williamfield Way, near Southerne Social Club, by a group of men.

Officers found Bobby Bradley lying semi-conscious in a pool of blood having been stabbed a number of times in his legs and lower back.

Twenty-eight year old Mr Bradley is being treated in Darlington Memorial Hospital, where his condition was yesterday said to be improving.

Crime scene investigators found a knife close to the scene, which they believe was linked to the attack.

It was removed for forensic testing, along with a number of other items that have been seized by officers, including some pool cues.

About 20 detectives are working on the case and the officer leading the investigation said yesterday that more arrests in connection to the attack were likely.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Reddick said he was still piecing together a picture of what happened that night and that no clear motive had been established.

He has renewed his appeal for any witnesses to the incident to come forward and call police on (01325) 314401 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.