A man has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm after repeatedly stabbing his victim in the leg in a "frenzied" attack in Haslemere.

Charlie Pitcairn, 24, of no fixed address, was today (Monday) sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison at Lewes Crown Court.

The unprovoked attack took place at a house on Border Road, Haslemere, on April 22 and involved Pitcairn entering the address, stabbing his victim five times in the thigh as he slept, and then fleeing the scene.

Pitcairn, who the judge described as a "highly dangerous" individual, then went on the run, triggering an extensive search by officers including drones, search dogs, and the police helicopter.

After two days Pitcairn handed himself into police. The victim and suspect were known to each other.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Claire Little, said: "This was an unprovoked and frenzied attack on a man who was sleeping.

"This could have easily had a much more tragic outcome, so we hope that the quick resolution of this case reassures our local residents that this awful behaviour is not tolerated in our county, and we will do whatever we can to bring offenders to justice."