A MAN is recovering after he was stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver while trying to stop a teenager from stealing his car.

The 42-year-old, who has not been named, was stabbed twice in the shoulder, with one thrust leaving a deep wound, after confronting the hooded youth at the wheel of his Ford Fiesta.

The man was in the kitchen of the home he shares with his wife, in Jane Street, Stanley, County Durham, at about 12.30am yesterday, when he heard a banging noise and then the sound of a car engine being started.

He ran out on to his drive, to find the driver's side window smashed in and a youth at the wheel of his car.

The teenager jumped from the car, knocking the man over. He then threatened the householder before stabbing him twice and running off.

The police dog section tracked the crook from Jane Street to William Street, before losing his scent.

The victim was rushed to the University Hospital of Durham but did not require surgery.

Detective Constable Steve Frost, of Derwentside CID, said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked attack, which, even so, could have been a great deal worse.

"We assume the motive was to steal the car rather than just its contents."

The attacker is described as aged 15 or 16, about 5ft 10in and of slim build. He wore a hooded top pulled around his face, but his victim noticed he had a ruddy complexion and thick lips.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Frost, at Stanley police station, on (01207) 232144.