SURGEONS have operated on a man who was stabbed in a street attack.

The unnamed 24-year-old is reported to be in a serious but stable condition following an operation at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

Detectives have so far been unable to interview the man, who was stabbed twice in the back at Henry Taylor Court, North Ormesby, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of yesterday.

Residents talked yesterday of being woken by shouts and the sound of a commotion.

A resident, who did not want to be named, said she saw several men.

"I heard someone shout 'I've got him', then one of them ran off. Then I saw one of them come back with another lad," she said.

Police are appealing for witnesses to get in touch by ringing them on (01642) 302626.

Officers are hoping to speak to the injured man today.