POLICE have appealed for help to trace three people in connection with a suspected stabbing they are investigating.

It follows a report of a disturbance in the Harlow Green area of Gateshead, at 1.45am, on Saturday.

Officers and emergency services attended the scene in Flexbury Gardens and found a 28-year-old man with serious injuries, believed to have been caused by a bladed article.

He was taken to hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.

An investigation was launched and police have been carrying out door to door inquiries in the Harlow Green area.

Officers have released the descriptions of two males and a female thought to have been in the area at the time of the incident who they believe could assist their investigation.

All are believed to be aged between 16 and 17.

The female is described as white, of chubby build, about 5 ft 7 in height with fair hair tied back in a ponytail.

She was wearing a black top and jeans.

One of the males is thought to be 5ft 8in, of slim build, with black hair and a round face.

He was wearing a light blue top with tracksuit bottoms.

The other male is described as about 5ft 9in, also of slim build, with fair, mousey blond hair.

He was wearing a grey jumper with tracksuit bottoms.

The individuals, or, anyone who knows them, is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting log 82 140919, or Crimestoppers, on (0800) 555111.