POLICE have taken the unusual step of releasing a photograph of a man they want to question in connection with a stabbing.

The move comes after a month-long investigation by detectives failed to determine the whereabouts of Stephen Richard Brown, originally from Darlington.

The 30-year-old is wanted in connection with a vicious attack, which happened at a residential address in the Eastbourne area of Darlington, last month.

The 25-year-old male victim suffered 12 to 14 stab wounds to his arms and legs during the attack with a 12-inch kitchen knife.

The ordeal only came to an end when the victim managed to scramble free from his attacker and escape out of the house.

Last night, Acting Detective Inspector Dave Wilkes, of Darlington CID, described Mr Brown as violent and warned members of the public, who might recognise him, not to approach him.

Mr Brown is described as white, 6ft 2in, of a heavy build, with short dark hair. He is known to have previously worked in the licensing trade and might be in the Middlesbrough/Cleveland area.

The attack happened at the victim's home at about 5am on December 10 and followed a disagreement. There were other people present.

Acting Det Insp Wilkes said: "Although the injuries were not life-threatening, they caused the victim a lot of pain and distress.

"We don't release photographs very often, but we haven't been able to trace him and we want sightings to be reported to us.

"But he is known to be violent, so we would ask people not to approach him. Please call us on 0845 60 60 365, or if not, 999."

Sightings can also be reported to Crimewatch anonymously on 0800 555 111.

* In an unrelated incident, a man was stabbed in the stomach in Hargreave Terrace, Darlington, near the Black Swan pub, at about 12.45am on Saturday. His injuries were not life-threatening and he has been discharged from hospital.