FIVE people have been arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected stabbing.

A 37-year-old man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after reports he was assaulted in Chatsworth Gardens in Walker, Newcastle, at about 10am on Wednesday.

The victim remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Detective Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said: “This assault has happened outside the back of a residential street, in broad daylight and has left the victim fighting for his life in hospital.

“We have taken quick action and made a number of arrests but we still need help from any members of the public who may have information about the circumstances around the assault.

“I do want to reassure the public that this is not a random, stranger attack.

“Those involved do know each other and there has not been any wider risk to the public.”

Two men, aged 58 and 18, were arrested shortly after the incident but now police have revealed they have arrested a further three men.