POLICE are investigating the stabbing of a 34-year-old man on New Year's Eve.

Officers were called to a disturbance outside the Dun Cow pub in Ravensworth Road, Dunston, Gateshead, at about 7.15pm.

The man, who was stabbed in the throat, was taken to Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.

Detectives were last night waiting to speak to the victim.

A Northumbria police spokesman said it appeared that the man had been the victim of a robbery.

She said: "He had an exploratory operation to establish the depth of the wound.

"He is being kept in for observation and his condition is not considered life-threatening."

Anyone with information about the stabbing has been asked to call the police on 0191-454 7555