A MAN was stabbed after leaping from his bath to confront a burglar.

The 29-year-old, from Darlington Road, Ferryhill, was wearing only a towel as he tried to apprehend the assailant.

He was left with wounds to his right arm after using the towel to protect himself.

"I was in the bath when I heard the front door go," said the man, who asked not to be named. "About ten minutes later, I heard a noise downstairs.

"I looked through the window and there was somebody coming out of my back gate."

The man gave chase and managed to catch the suspect, but the burglar swung round with a weapon and plunged it towards him.

"It looked like a screwdriver," said the victim, who put his arm up to protect his face and later needed hospital treatment.

The criminal escaped with money following the raid, which took place on Saturday, at 3pm.

He is described as 6ft 2in, aged 19 to 20 with a skinny build, sloping shoulders, and a gaunt, unshaven face.

He was wearing a white cap with the peak pulled down over his face. He was wearing a white tracksuit and dark blue or black tracksuit bottoms. His hat and top were dirty.

Anybody with information is asked to call police on (01325) 742584.