A TEENAGER has been stabbed in the neck in Runcorn Old Town.

The 17-year-old was assaulted outside on Church Street near to Sammy's Pizza and Kebab shop at 9.50pm on Monday.

He is in intensive care at Warrington Hospital.

The Runcorn man had been out with a group of friends when he was attacked.

The ambulance service said the victim was stabbed with a sharp instrument in the right side of the neck and suffered an arterial bleed.

The ambulance crew arrived within seven minutes of the attack and the victim was taken to Warrington Hospital at 10.22pm.

Police say they are keeping an open mind about what kind of instrument which caused the wound. No weapon has yet been recovered.

The CCTV system in the old town is being checked for evidence, as are private systems in the shops.

Det Insp Guy Hindle said: "The victim is in a much better condition that he could have been. He is still critically ill.

"We are appealing for anyone who was on Church Street between 9.30pm and 10pm to come forward."

Police say they have already received valuable information from witnesses.

If you can help, you can contact Runcorn CID on 01244-613931.