A man jailed for stabbing a Celtic fan 40 times is being hunted by police after going into hiding.

Police have launched a manhunt after Sean Tait, 27, breached the terms of his licence and is now wanted for a recall to prison.

Tait, from Newcastle's Belgrave Parade, was sent to a young offender's institution in 2006 for launching a vicious attack on Celtic fan Gary Buckley.

According to local news reports at the time, Mr Buckley, from Glasgow, had only been in Newcastle for a matter of hours before he became separated from friends on a drinking session.

He met a group of teens but they began taunting him over his support of Celtic.

Locals raised the alarm after they saw Tait and two others kicking him as he lay near Newcastle's Summerhill Square.

Mr Buckley, who was 26 at the time, was set upon by Tait, who stabbed him in the back, face, body and legs with a knife, puncturing both of his lungs.

He survived the ordeal after being admitted to intensive care.

Northumbria police are now searching for Sean Tait who they believe is hiding in Newcastle's West End, helped by associates.

A spokesman from Northumbria police said: "Police are asking for the public’s help to trace a Newcastle man wanted for a recall to prison.

"Sean Tait is wanted for breaching the terms of a prison licence.

"Police believe Tait is currently in the west end of Newcastle and that he is being assisted by associates.”

"Enquiries are ongoing to locate him and police are asking for the public’s help."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria police, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111