TWO men are fighting for their lives after being stabbed in a restaurant on Christmas Day.

The pair were attacked as they ate in the Akash restaurant, in Market Place, Middleton, in the early hours of Christmas Day morning.

Two men, who they had argued with earlier in a nearby pub, approached their table at around 1.30am armed with knives.

A 23-year-old victim was stabbed repeatedly in the stomach while his friend, 22, was stabbed in the stomach and the back of his neck.

The second man managed to walk a short distance out of the restaurant but collapsed nearby on Long Street. Both men are in a critical condition in hospital.

A 21-year-old man also suffered a slash wound to his cheek which is not life threatening.

Police are still hunting for their attackers and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Det Insp John Mazzolai said: "Two young men's lives are in danger this Christmas morning following this terrible incident. We would like to reassure communities that we are confident we are doing everything we can to close in on the offenders but still need people to come forward with information."

The offenders are described as white men in their early to mid twenties. Detectives also want to trace a light coloured, small hatchback car seen driving away from the scene.

Anyone with information can contact police, in confidence, on 0161 856 8745, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.