Burglars knifed man in his back

The 41-year-old heard a noise downstairs of his home in Beechville Avenue, Scarborough, and spotted a large figure.

"So I immediately pounced and grabbed him in a bearlock," he said.

"I was fighting to get him out the house. The next thing I knew there was another one who came flying through the back door.

"I fell to the floor and thought he had pushed me over, and they darted off. As I started to call the police and check the house, it was my partner that noticed the knife."

She yelled that he needed an ambulance.

"The blade must have been there for five minutes without me noticing," he added.

The burglars got in by standing on a garden chair, and forcing the door. They are believed to have fled empty-handed.

North Yorkshire Police said the victim was taken to Scarborough District Hospital after the attack at 2.30am on Wednesday.

He was treated for a single stab wound, about two inches deep, before being discharged.

A spokesman added that the knife used in the attack was believed to be from the victim's own kitchen.

The first burglar aged in his early 20s, 6ft tall, and slim. The second man was 5ft 6ins tall younger, and red faced with large eyes.

Anyone who saw the two men around the time of the burglary is asked to contact Det Sgt Andy Dudman, on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference 12100198216, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.