A HOUSEHOLDER was stabbed and slashed after opening his door to a man being chased by a knife-wielding gang.

The 30-year-old man suffered cuts to his back and face after stepping into the street to speak to the youths.

Yesterday, he was in hospital in Sunderland, where his injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening.

The incident began at 12.15am on Sunday as a group of six people, all in their early twenties, were walking through Mulberry Park, between Houghton-le-Spring and Fencehouses.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said they were approached by a group of four youths and a girl, who started a fight.

One of the older group ran to a nearby house to get help and the home owner came out. He was attacked by one of the youths, who stabbed him in the back with a knife and slashed his face.

The police spokesman said: "He was an entirely innocent party who came out to try to help.

"He suffered a stab injury to his back and a wound to his face but, thankfully, his condition is not life-threatening."

Three youths were arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries.