TWO men have been charged with attempted murder following the stabbing of a teenager on Sunday morning.

Yesterday, police continued to appeal for witnesses to the incident in which a 17-year-old, from West Street, Blackhall, County Durham, suffered wounds to his chest, abdomen and arm.

He was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool and later transferred to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, where he underwent surgery.

Last night, he was in a stable condition.

Officers, including a number of the force's dog section, were called to a disturbance involving up to 60 people at the rear of Middle Street, Blackhall, at about 12.30am and arrested two men.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Moore said officers believed the disturbance occurred after a party at licensed premises in the area, and there had also been an altercation in a nearby pizza shop.

He said: "There was a large number of people in the area at the time. At some point between midnight and 12.30am, the victim suffered injuries and we urge anyone with information about why this happened to contact us."

Steven William James Fluen, of Middle Street, Blackhall, and Andrew Morrow, of Hatherley Square, Blackhall, appeared before Peterlee magistrates yesterday charged with attempted murder. Both were remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on May 31.

Detectives can be contacted on 0845 6060365 or witnesses can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.