DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a man was stabbed in the chest while he was in his front garden.

Police believe three men confronted the man at his home in Rockingham Road, Sunnybrow, near Crook, yesterday, and a fight broke out.

During the fracas, the man, in his 20s, was stabbed in the chest five times. He was treated at the University Hospital of North Durham.

Detective Sergeant McGubbin said: "With the warm weather and at that time of night there will have been plenty of people about.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw the incident or anything suspicious or has since heard anything that could help our investigations."

Police were last night questioning two men in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crook CID on 0845 606 0365 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.