Call for witnesses after man seriously hurt in stabbing

The incident happened in Grange Road, near the town's private Polam Hall girls' school, at about 10.30pm on Sunday.

Two Darlington menare thought to have been caught up in a scuffle.

The 34-year-old victim, who lost a considerable amount of blood after he was stabbed once in the neck, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by ambulance and underwent emergency surgery.

His condition was described yesterday as stable.

The other man, a 36-year-old, was arrested near the scene.

He was also taken to the hospital to be treated for an injury to his hand.

He was later transferred, under police escort, to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital, where he was expected to undergo an operation for severed tendons yesterday.

He remains under police guard and will be interviewed by officers as soon as his condition allows.

Detective Inspector Paul Harker, who is leading the investigation, said: "It is still unclear why the two men were fighting.

"However, we believe there may have been people passing the area at the time, either on foot or by car, and I would urge them to contact the police."

Det Insp Harker revealed the intervention of an off-duty detective, who had been passing the scene in his car, had been critical in defusing the incident.

The officer, who had been on his way home from work, saw the men and shouted at them.

The 36-year-old fled the scene and the detective began to give first aid to the victim while calling for help.

Det Insp Harker said: "The officer did particularly well, but only witnessed the latter part of the incident.

"We would very much like to hear from anyone who could shed some light on how the scuffle started and what happened immediately before the victim was stabbed."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has further information, is urged to call police on 0845 60 60 365.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.