POLICE are hunting a knifeman who stabbed a man in the back as he made his way home.

The incident happened as the 41-year-old victim was walking along Shepherd Way, in the Fatfield area of Washington, at 11.50pm.

He was approached by a man who stabbed him in the back with a sharp instrument, then ran off towards the Fallowfield area.

The injured man was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he received stitches to a wound, and was later released.

His attacker is described as white, 5ft 11ins tall, slim built, in his early 20s and wearing a dark jacket, light trousers and a baseball cap.

Police believe he had no motive for the attack, on Friday.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Washington CID on 0191-454 7555 extension 66445.