A man is undergoing surgery following a serious assault near Newcastle.

About 11.40am today (Wednesday 30 September 2015), two men became involved in an argument outside a house on Upfold Street, Mayfield.

During the argument, one man sustained injuries to his neck after he was attacked with a tomahawk.

Emergency services were called to the premises; however the alleged offender had already fled the location.

A 34-year-old man was treated at the scene by Ambulance Paramedics. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he is undergoing emergency surgery.

Police have established a crime scene and continue to make inquiries into the incident.

Investigators attached to Newcastle Local Area Command would like to speak to a 37-year-old man in relation to the incident.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 178cm tall with a thin build. He may be wearing black clothing.

The man may be travelling in a black Hyundai bearing New South Wales registration plates AQ76RU.

If sighted, the man should not be approached; rather ‘Triple 0’ should be called immediately.