DETECTIVES are hunting a fugitive who is believed to have brutally stabbed a teenager in the back in a York street.

The 15-year-old boy suffered serious injuries when he was knifed in the Danebury Drive area of Acomb.

Police are now hunting a 21-year-old man who is believed to have attacked the youngster from behind after they had a row.

The victim is believed to have limped, bleeding, more than 100 yards to nearby Courcey Grove before an ambulance was called.

He was taken to York Hospital with stab wounds to his back, between 6.15pm and 6.30pm, on Thursday.

He was operated on immediately and police said his injuries were "no longer life-threatening".

Officers believe they know who carried out the attack, but the wanted man has gone into hiding - and they have so far been unable to trace him.

York Police spokesman Colin Ventress said: "This is a very serious incident.

"The attack happened following a dispute in the street between the offender and the victim. Police are seeking a 21-year-old local man in connection with the incident.

"We would urge anyone with information in relation to the incident, or any witnesses, to contact us."

He said at least one person had seen the attack and had already been interviewed by the police.

He said: "It was still daylight, and it is likely there will have been more witnesses."

He said police did not yet know anything about the background to the dispute between the teenager and his attacker.

A strong police presence remained in the area yesterday, and officers continued to carry out door-to-door enquiries in the neighbourhood.

They were unable to interview the victim on the night of his ordeal because his injuries were so serious that he was rushed straight into the operating theatre.

Detectives were planning to speak to him yesterday afternoon.

They believe the boy was stabbed in Danebury Drive, but managed to walk the 100 yards or more round the corner to Courcey Grove, off Jute Road, where an ambulance was called.

An ambulance spokesman confirmed that a 15-year-old boy had been taken to York Hospital with a stab wound to his back, at about 6.27pm, on Thursday.

He said the ambulance was called to the Jute Road area, where paramedics treated him at the scene, and the ambulance service alerted the police.

Shocked residents last night told of their horror at what had happened.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's terrifying to think that something like that could happen round here.

"I've been here for 50 years, and I can remember a time when you left your door open at night, but it's getting more like London or America every day. I feel like a prisoner in my own home.

"There seems to be trouble all over the place now."

Another local woman said: "There have been a lot of police cars in the area since it happened.

"I saw some round the corner in Tostig Avenue with sniffer dogs. It's a horrible thing to happen, but I'm not really surprised. There have been quite a few problems with gangs of youths in the area lately."

Acomb councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing said the attack was a one-off and people should try not to worry.

She said: "It is very worrying for residents in general that this has happened. I hope the police find the person who did this as quickly as possible, and I hope that if anybody knows anything they phone the police direct or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"People can also contact me if they want to talk about their concerns."

The victim's condition was last night described as "serious, but not critical".

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 0845 60 60 247.