A security guard who had worked for his company for only two months has been stabbed while on duty.
Chris Haywood, 29, an employee of Newcastle-based Swift Security, had gone to investigate a disturbance at a Co-op Store in South Gosforth, Newcastle, when the incident happened.
"A tramp had been hanging around the back of the store pestering members of staff," said a Co-op spokesman.
"The vagrant was creating a disturbance and Chris went out to try to calm the situation. A member of staff later found Chris lying on the ground near the store's back entrance, drifting in and out of consciousness. He had been stabbed in the abdomen."
Mr Haywood was due to be released from hospital yesterday after being treated for his wound and for shock.
Police inquiries are continuing
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article