A man appeared in court today accused of stabbing two men in a neighbours' row at the weekend.

Lee Pennington, 24, is alleged to have stabbed Jason Holmes in the back in the incident, at a house in Dene Crescent, Shotton Colliery, east Durham.

Mr Holmes was taken from his home, in Dene Crescent, to the University Hospital of Hartlepool, suffering serious internal injuries. He was given emergency surgery and was initially detained in intensive care, classed as in a "critical" condition.

But police said today that his condition was now slightly downgraded to a "serious, but stable" status, at the hospital.

A second victim, Timothy Thubron received hospital treatment for stab wounds to the hand, while his brother, Philip, suffered minor head injuries, but did not seek any medical attention.

Mr Pennington, of Dene Crescent, was arrested and charged with two allegations of wounding.

He appeared before Peterlee magistrates when the case was adjourned and he was bailed to go before Durham Crown Court, for a preliminary hearing, on September 9.

Police said no further action would be taken against another man arrested, while a third has been bailed to return to Peterlee Police Station at a later date.

Anyone with further information about the incident, which took place at around 9.15pm on Sunday (AUG 28), is asked to ring Peterlee CID, on 0845-60 60 365 or the Crimestoppers hot-line, on 0800 555111.