Dog walker dad stabbed in back

Oct 4 2007 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A KNIFEMAN is being hunted by police after stabbing a dog walker in the back close to his home.

Father-of-four Ronnie Nesbitt suffered a five-inch gash in the attack near allotments in Tweed Street, Chopwell, Gateshead.

The 42-year-old only realised he had been injured when he returned to his terraced home soaked in blood.

Yesterday Mr Nesbitt said he was feeling sore but wanted to put the attack, at 11.10pm on Tuesday, behind him.

He said: “I was walking the dog at about 11.10pm when I heard someone behind me shout ‘there’s his dad’ and the next second I felt I had been hit with a sharp stick.

“Two lads ran away and that’s all I can remember. I ran up to the house, told my wife to get the dog in and we rang the police.”

Mr Nesbitt was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham where his wound was treated and stitched.

Residents living in the former pit village said yesterday they weren’t surprised the attack took place because of a recent spate of crimes.

One elderly dog walker, who did not wish to be named, said: “Nothing surprises me any more around here. When the pit closed the families moved out and the trouble and drugs moved in.

“Only a couple of weeks ago some of those community support officers were stoned by some teenagers and they literally ran for their lives.

“The biggest problem here is that we don’t have a police station based in the village, the nearest station is in Whickham which is a fair distance away.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Mick Robson said regular patrols were made within the area and they were satisfied Chopwell had adequate resources. Gateshead CID were making house-to-house inquires yesterday afternoon as part of their investigations.

Witnesses can contact police in confidence on 08456 043 043.