THE prime suspect in a burglary where a North Yorkshire pensioner was stabbed in the face was once involved in an attack that saw a man's neck badly slashed, police revealed today.

Detectives investigating the stabbing, at Stillington, near Easingwold, took the unusual step of naming 48-year-old Keith Gary Davis, also known as Keith White, as their prime suspect.

He has been described as "dangerous" and the public have been warned not to approach him.

Davis, originally from Peterborough, was involved in a row with a neighbour in 1998.

The row escalated and Davis held the neighbour while his then girlfriend slashed the man with a craft knife.

He suffered two serious wounds to his neck.

Davis was charged with attempted murder, but later admitted affray.

Police said today they believed that Davis, 48, was heading back to Peterborough.

Acting Detective Superintendent Dick Harrison, of Peterborough police, said: "We are fully aware of Davis's previous convictions and people should not approach him."

Anyone who has seen Davis, or knows where he is, should phone North Yorkshire police on 01609 783131. Officers have warned the public he should not be approached.

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, September 18, 2003