A MAN was last night recovering in hospital after he was stabbed in a fight on his doorstep early yesterday.

The 38-year-old man suffered a punctured lung in the attack in Dorset Crescent, Moorside, Consett, County Durham, at about 1.30am.

A police spokesman said the victim was confronted by a man when he answered a knock on his door.

A fight then followed between the pair in the rear garden of the two-bedroomed terraced house.

The householder was stabbed in the back and both arms, but managed to land some blows on his assailant, who fled the scene.

The police spokesman said: "The victim was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, where he was diagnosed as having suffered a punctured lung.

"However, his injuries are not life-threatening and he is expected to be released from hospital later this week."

The spokesman said that a short time after the incident, officers arrested a 40-year-old man at another house in Dorset Crescent on suspicion of assault.

He was was taken to hospital for treatment for cuts and bruises.

The suspect was released into police custody at Consett police station, and was last night being questioned by detectives.

Detective Sergeant Vic Deanes said the victim told police his assailant had carried a knife, but so far the weapon used had not been found.

He said: "This does not appear to have been a random incident.

"We believe the two men are known to each other. Other people in the street may have heard the disturbance in the early hours of this morning and we would urge anyone with information to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-375 2411 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.