A STABBING victim managed to drive several miles before his car crashed and caught fire.

The 34-year-old drove almost five miles from the Harraton area of Washington to the Hastings Hill area of Sunderland despite having what police describe as “serious stab injuries”.

His car then crashed into a road sign and caught fire.

Emergency services were called to the scene and the injured man was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with serious injuries. Police today described his condition as stable.

Officers were called to Sevenoaks Drive in Sunderland at 9.45pm last night (Wednesday, June 18) where they found the victim in the crashed car.

The fire service extinguished the fire and made the vehicle safe. Police say no-one else is believed to have been injured in the incident.

It is believed the attack happened earlier in the evening in Rowan Avenue, in Washington where the victim was assaulted before getting into his grey Peugeot car to leave the scene.

Police are appealing for witnesses and ask that anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact officers.

Superintendent Jim Napier, from Sunderland Area Command, said: "This is a most unusual incident and officers are still trying to establish the full details of what has taken place.

"We have additional uniformed patrols taking place in this area to reassure residents. Anyone with any concerns about this incident or anyone with any information is urged to speak to an officer."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, extension 69191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.