A STUDENT underwent emergency surgery yesterday to stop him bleeding to death after he was glassed in the neck.

The 23-year-old was attacked at about 1am on Monday, outside the Dickens Inn, Southfield Lane, Middlesbrough.

Police said the attack on the black victim was not racially motivated but started after a fracas in the pub and could have easily killed him.

A man was seen thrusting a glass or bottle into the Teesside University student's neck, just centimetres from his jugular vein.

"This was a nasty attack and the paramedics did not know what was going to happen because they thought his main artery had been severed," said Detective Constable Keith Dee, of Middlesbrough CID.

"There was a lot of commotion outside and a lot of blood on the street.

"The person responsible returned inside the pub then left the scene."

"If the victim was stabbed just a few centimetres closer to his jugular he would have been dead within minutes. If he was, we could have been dealing with a murder inquiry, fortunately this is not the case."

The man, originally from London, was rushed to Middlesbrough General Hospital where doctors worked through the night to save him.

They had to remove broken glass from his wounds but yesterday the student was said to be in a stable condition.

Det Con Dee said: "It is vital we catch this man."

Anyone who saw the attack or has information is asked to call the police on (01642) 303126.