A TEENAGER is recovering in hospital following a suspected stabbing.

The 17-year-old who had been assaulted in Diana Street, Newcastle, late on Wednesday night, suffered puncture wounds to his back.

He was taken to the Newcastle General Hospital, where he was treated for a collapsed lung. His condition was today described as stable.

A police spokesman said officers were called by the ambulance service to Sovereign Court in Diana Street at 11.15pm on Wednesday.

The spokesman said: "The 17-year-old had five small puncture wounds to his back and was taken to Newcastle General Hospital where he is in a stable condition having been treated for a collapsed lung."

Four people have been arrested for wounding and assault causing grievous bodily harm - one man, aged 24 and a boy aged 16 and one woman aged 40 and a girl aged 14.

They are helping police with their inquiries.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives in Newcastle on 08456 043 043, ext 62555.