A MAN who was stabbed nine times when he intervened in an argument outside a late night takeaway is lucky to be alive, police said.

The victim, aged 34, who has not been named, was left bleeding in the street after a night out in Lanchester.

Police said it appeared he was attacked when he stepped in to split up a couple who were having a row. The couple then ran off.

He was rushed to Durham's University Hospital where he was treated. He had six stab wounds in his back, two in his right arm and one in his head.

Two of the body wounds were eight inches deep and surgeons said it was a miracle the weapon had missed his vital organs.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: "The doctors who operated on him said he had had a very lucky escape."

The attack happened in Front Street, Lanchester, at about 10pm on Sunday.

A relative who saw the stabbing ran to the Queens Head pub to call for help.

Landlord John Dixon, who runs the pub with his wife Jane, grabbed a chair and towels to go to the man's aid.

Mr Dixon said: "He was slumped against the wall outside, bleeding badly and slipping in and out of consciousness.

"He was in a very bad way and we just tried to keep him awake and stop the flow of blood.

"Doctors said he was very lucky to be alive. When they took him in, they didn't think he was going to pull through the night."

The victim's condition has since improved and he was discharged on Tuesday.

His attacker is described as about six feet tall, with ginger hair. The woman with him was shorter and had long, black hair.

Police have carried out house-to-house inquiries but said they have yet to recover the weapon involved.

Detective Sergeant Vic Denes, of Consett CID, said: "This was a very serious attack and one that could have had terrifying consequences. I would urge any witnesses to come forward."

Anyone with information can telephone DS Denes on (01207) 504204.