Houghton-le-Spring man stabbed by gang and had bike stolen

Dad-of-four Gareth Sherrington was riding his electric off-road bike when he was followed by the group, who he believes were around 20 or younger, and knocked off the two-wheeler in Fencehouses, near Houghton-le-Spring.

He was then attacked and stabbed with a screwdriver in his right hand and knifed in his left hand leaving him with a gaping wound.

A police investigation into the incident in broad daylight last Friday (September 6) is underway.

Gareth Sherrington, 41, of Fencehouses near Houghton-le-Spring. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Gareth, 41, has now told how he feared for his life and believes he was targeted.

He said: “They stabbed me with a screwdriver in my right hand and stabbed me with a knife in my left hand.

“I’ve never seen so much blood or felt so much pain before.

Gareth was taken to Sunderland University Hospital for treatment. (Image: GARETH SHERRINGTON)

“Two people came to help and were holding my hands to stop the bleeding. If it wasn’t for them I probably would have died.”

Gareth, who was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital by paramedics, was riding his brand new Surron Ultra Bee off-road bike for the first time after saving up £6,000.

Gareth had just bought his new £6,000 e-bike. (Image: GARETH SHERRINGTON)

“It was one of the best days I have ever had”, he said.

“As I was driving up the road a car started driving up to the side of me and trying to knock me off the bike.

“They rammed me off my bike, jumped out of the car and one started hitting me with hammers.

“I heard one of them shout ‘stab him’.

“I think I was targeted because I had the bike.

“One of the ones who attacked me had a hood on and the rest were wearing masks.

Gareth was stabbed in both hands. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“One of them jumped on the bike and they left.”

He added: “I can just about use my hands to pick things up but I need people to open bottles of water for me.

“I’m a tough guy, I never expected that to happen to me.

“My family is really struggling with it. They can’t understand why someone would do this to someone like me. I keep thinking it’s my own fault.”

The father of four, who has an older daughter and three teenage sons, said he fears for his and other children after the incident.

“I’ve got a 16-year-old son who lives in this area. I am absolutely petrified for him,” he said.

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“If they can do this to a grown man then what could they do to my children?

“I am worried about other people’s children too.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Just after 5.30pm on Friday (September 6), we received a report of assault in the Fence Houses area of Houghton-le-Spring.

“It was reported that a man had been approached by a group of people before being knocked off his electric bike. The bike was then stolen, and the man suffered serious injuries to both hands.

“An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Officers have appealed for another with information to contact them either via their website, calling 101, or via social media DMs quoting log number NP-20240906-0893.