DETECTIVES investigating a stabbing in North Yorkshire have urged Jonathon Michael Doherty to contact police.

A 34-year-old man was admitted the Friarage Hospital at about 9.50am on Wednesday with stab wounds to his back.

On Thursday, North Yorkshire Police said Doherty, 36, from Northallerton, was believed to have been involved in the incident, and urged anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to contact them.

Doherty is white with dark-brown hair, brown eyes, 5ft 10in tall, medium build and he speaks with a Yorkshire accent.

Detective Inspector Shaun Page, of Northallerton CID, said: "It is vital that Jonathon Doherty is arrested as soon as possible in connection with the stabbing incident in Northallerton on Wednesday morning.

"Extensive police enquires remain ongoing to locate him and we are appealing for the public’s help to assist the search. If anyone knows where he is or you have possibly seen a man matching his description, please do not approach him and call the police immediately on 999. Jonathon, if you see or hear this appeal, you need to think very carefully and do the right thing by handing yourself into the police. The longer you evade the police the harder you are making it for yourself."

Anyone with information should phone police on 999, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.