POLICE have released security camera footage of a knife attack on a teenager who nearly died.

Paul Buckle had been walking home when he was set upon by a gang of thugs who kicked and punched him to the ground.

As he lay defenceless, James Palmer, 17, walked over to him and plunged a knife into his stomach. The camera's microphone picked up his boast to his friends: "I just knifed him. I swear to God."

A security camera recorded the incident and led to Palmer's conviction.

The knife missed a main artery by millimetres, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The attack took place in an alley off Engine Inn Road, Wallsend, North Tyneside.

Palmer, of Clavering Street, Wallsend, was locked up for four years after he admitted wounding with intent on April 12.

Paul, of North Tyneside, said: "I have not seen the video of the attack, but I was told it is horrific. I am pleased Palmer has been locked up. The sentence could have been a bit longer."

Judge Esmond Faulks said: "Fortunately for Mr Buckle and fortunately for you, no vital organs were damaged, but the knife missed a main artery by just a few millimetres.

"This was a cowardly attack. Mr Buckle was outnumbered and he had done nothing to you at all."

Palmer said he had taken seven Ecstasy tablets as well as drink.