DETECTIVES hunting a man in connection with a stabbing in Darwen have executed search warrants across Manchester.

Two men suffered serious knife wounds following an argument in Sudell Road at around 4am on Sunday, July 25.

A 17-year-old youth was stabbed and another victim suffered serious abdominal injuries and cuts to his arms and legs.

Geoffrey Bird, 29, who lives in the Manchester area, is being sought by police in connection with the attack.

Adrian Dutton, 24, of Darwen, has been charged with section 18 wounding and is currently on remand.

Police took the unusual step of releasing a picture of Mr Bird in a bid to trace him but he remains at large.

Detective Constable Mark Whelan from Blackburn CID is investigating the stabbing and is urging anybody with information to contact police.

DC Whelan said: "Warrants have been executed in the Manchester area but we have been unsuccessful so far.

"We know he spends a lot of his time in Darwen. He doesn't live there but we think he has friends there and still nips in and out of the area.

"We have circulated his details on the national police computer and Manchester police are keeping tabs on several addresses we've got for him, including his parents' home.

"But it is maybe that our officers will spot him in Darwen and arrest him there. That's the way these things tend to happen sometimes."

Anybody with information should call DC Whelan on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.