POLICE are hunting a cowboy who wears a Stetson and answers to the name of "Tex", following an ugly bar room brawl.
The man, aged about 50, dresses like a wild west gunslinger, has long grey hair and a beard.
He is wanted following a fracas at a pub over the weekend when a 41-year-old man, who has not been named, was rushed to hospital after being glassed in the throat.
He needed four pints of blood and emergency surgery following the attack in Midnight's bar in Church Street, Hartlepool, at 1.30am.
Detective Sergeant Tony Green, of Hartlepool CID said: "Can anybody who knows who this man is please call the police.
"He is thought to be from Hartlepool and it is believed he routinely dresses in this fashion."
The man, who may be from the Owton Manor area, is thought to have fled the scene following the attack
Police do not know the cause of the attack but the victim was rushed to the University Hospital of Hartlepool in a taxi by a friend.
Anyone who knows the identity of the man known as Tex, or anyone who can help the inquiry, should call Hartlepool police in confidence on (01642) 302129.
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