POLICE searching for a man after a woman was slashed across the face with a knife are warning the public not to approach him.

Officers want to speak to Steven Hanson, 21, of Dunholme Road in Newcastle, in connection with an assault in Sunderland last night.

The 38-year-old woman was assaulted on Argyle Street at 6.30pm. She was slashed across the face with a knife and was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital. Her condition is not described as life threatening.

Hanson is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair. He has his name tattooed on the right hand side of his neck and was last seen wearing a blue top and blue jeans.

Superintendent Jo Farrell, of Northumbria Police, said: "We are urgently asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of Steven Hanson to contact police. We would ask people not to approach him.

"The victim and her attacker were known to each other and had spent the day together.

"Although there is nothing to suggest a wider risk to the public, we have increased neighbourhood patrols to offer reassurance to the local community."

Anyone who sees the wanted man is asked to ring 999.