A reveller needed 61 stitches after he was stabbed three times outside a Bury pub.

The man, who has not been identified, is believed to have been involved in an argument in the Peel Hotel in Rochdale Road and continued on the pavement outside.

A fight broke out during which the victim was stabbed in the left shoulder, the chest and the arm. The 42-year-old was taken to Fairfield General Hospital at 12.30am last Saturday.

Detective Inspector Simon Collier, from Bury CID, said it was initially feared the man's injuries could prove fatal although he has since discharged himself from hospital.

He added: "This was a vicious attack which could have ended with a man losing his life. The area around the Peel would have been particularly busy with people making their way home or into Bury town centre, and I would appeal for people with information to come forward."

Police have issued a brief description of the attacker. He is said to be white, aged in his late teens, with blond hair and wore dark clothing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact CID on 0161 856 8248 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A MAN needed emergency surgery after he was stabbed in the stomach.

Shaw Street in Bury was cordoned off by police shortly after 10pm on Sunday after receiving reports that a man had been brought into Fairfield General Hospital suffering a deep stab wound to his abdomen.

The victim, aged 22, is believed to have been attacked following an argument in the street. He was taken to hospital by three male friends and was initially treated in the intensive care unit.

On Tuesday, surgeons performed an operation to repair the stomach wounds and the man was transferred to a main ward where his condition is said to be stable.

A 20-year-old man from the Bury area was arrested in connection with the stabbing but he has since been given police bail pending further enquiries.