A KNIFE attack victim has spoken of his shock at being slashed across the abdomen in an unprovoked attack.

Theo Jalal suffered a four-inch cut to his stomach when he and friend were assaulted by a gang of youths, before they were both stabbed.

The 21-year-old computer games art student at the University of Teesside has been left traumatised and badly shaken by the violent confrontation.

He said: "I'm trying to put it out of my mind, but I haven't had much sleep because of the pain.

"The attack came from nowhere. At first I just thought it was getting out of hand and we were being beaten up - then I realised I was covered in blood, which was a massive shock.

"It has put me off the town, but it won't stop me completing my degree course."

The attack, which happened on the day a national amnesty on knives was launched, happened as the students were walking near the back of the university's Learning Resource Centre.

A youth, who had broken away from a group of three males and a teenage girl, ran towards them and a struggle broke out. At some stage, another young man from the original group joined in and stabbed the friends.

The group then ran off from the scene towards Ulla Street and both students were taken to the town's James Cook University Hospital.

Mr Jalal was treated for his injuries before being released, while his friend was detained for treatment for two stab wounds to his shoulder blades.

Detective Inspector Keith Dee, of Middlesbrough police, said: "This was a particularly nasty, unprovoked assault on two young men who were simply going about their business.

"It is particularly ironic that we have just launched a knife amnesty and this terrible incident demonstrates the dangers of carrying knives."

The attack happened at about 9.30pm on Wednesday as the two men were walking near the university towards Linthorpe Road.

Last night, detectives were continuing their inquiries and were viewing security camera footage that may have captured the attack.

Professor Graham Henderson, University of Teesside's vice-chancellor, said: "The University is giving every assistance to the police and we hope that an early arrest is made."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Insp Dee on 01642 303126, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.