THIS is the man wanted by North Yorkshire Police in connection with the stabbing of an elderly man in his own home.

In an unusual move, detectives investigating the incident in Stillington, near Easingwold on Sunday have released the identity of their prime suspect.

He is Keith Gary Davis, 48, originally from Peterborough and of no fixed address.

He is known to travel around the country and he is wanted for similar offences both in North Yorkshire and elsewhere in the UK.

He is considered dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public.

Davis was identified using forensic evidence left at the victim's home following the attack on Sunday morning.

In that incident, a 69-year-old man was stabbed in the face with a knife or a screwdriver by an intruder at his home in Main Street, Stillington.

The homeowner confronted the intruder at 8.15am and a struggle ensued in which he was injured in the face.

Police recovered three knives, plus burglary equipment and a cane at the back of the house. The fridge had been ransacked.

DC Simon Caukwell, of Northallerton CID, said the weapon used to stab the victim was not recovered, and Davis was considered to be dangerous.

He said: "He has attacked someone in their home. Obviously we would prefer it if people did not approach him.

"We have identified him through forensic evidence that was left at the scene. His details, both fingerprints and DNA, were stored on the police national database.

"The identification has partly come through our liaison with other forces and partly come through the forensic link."

DC Caukwell said Davis used a number of aliases, including Keith John White.

He said: "He's been in other force areas and he has committed similar offences.

"He's very much an itinerant who appears to live rough."

Police have received information about a number of earlier sightings of their suspect - but there are no reported sightings since Sunday morning.

If anyone sees Davis or has any information about his whereabouts they should contact North Yorkshire Police on 01609 783131.

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, September 17, 2003