Jurors have heard how a group of masked people were spotted jumping into a car moments after a man was stabbed to death.

Lee Clarkson was kicked and stamped on before suffering three knife wounds to the abdomen, puncturing his liver, before bleeding to death outside his home.

The 41-year-old had been dragged out of his Bishop Auckland home by a group of people searching for another man they believed was responsible for burgling one of their homes.

Lee ClarksonLee Clarkson (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

Teesside Crown Court heard how the eye-witness was covering the windscreen of his car on the winter’s evening when he saw the masked men run towards a car, before driving away from the area in the Woodhouse Close estate.

Mark Smith said he was unable to identify any of the people as they had their faces covered by masks, but did manage to record the first four characters of the vehicle’s registration plate.

"I heard someone shout 'get in the car' and then it drove off," he said. "I couldn't identify them as they were wearing masks."

Earlier in the trial, Dr Jennifer Bolton, a Home Office pathologist, told the jury that the cause of death was two stab wounds to the abdomen - either was capable of resulting in a fatality.

Police at the scene on the evening of the incident on West Lane, Bishop Auckland.Police at the scene on the evening of the incident on West Lane, Bishop Auckland. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

The jury heard how a third knife injury caused no internal damage to Mr Clarkson.

A witness told jurors how a fatally injured Mr Clarkson tried to crawl back into his house on West Lane after he was attacked at around 6pm on November 29 last year.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here 

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 3 months for just £3, or get 30% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

A 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has already admitted to stabbing Mr Clarkson, but denies being responsible for his murder.

Co-accused Craig Dent has also admitted manslaughter but also denies a charge of murder.

Michael Richardson, 52, of Boddy Street, Bishop Auckland; Karl Jones, 45, of General Bucher Court, Bishop Auckland; Helen Jones, 42, of General Bucher Court, Bishop Auckland; Craig Dent, 42, of Gray Street, Eldon Lane; and the teenager who cannot be named for legal reasons, are all on trial for murder.

The trial continues.