Manhunt intensifies following Jesmond stabbing death of Wallsend man Daniel Pettersson

Police searching for suspect Kevin Smith believe he is being harboured by friends more than four days after an arrest warrant was issued.

Detectives searching for a man wanted over the Jesmond stabbing death of Daniel Pettersson believe he is being harboured by close associates as he continues to actively evade capture.

The manhunt for Kevin Smith, 37, entered its fifth day on Tuesday after Mr Pettersson died from a stab wound to the torso at a Michael St home on January 6.

Strike Force Mantillus detectives are investigating whether Mr Pettersson had feared for his safety before his death.

Daniel Pettersson, who died after being stabbed at Jesmond

They are also determining exactly why the Wallsend 34-year-old had visited the Michael St home belonging to a former girlfriend, a woman he was in a relationship with while Smith was in jail.

Smith, who had been in a relationship with the same woman before he was incarcerated, left prison in November and had moved into the woman’s home some time after he was released.

Senior police took the rare step of announcing the granting of an arrest warrant for Smith on Friday as they continued to search for their suspect.

Kevin Smith, 37, is wanted by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant for murder. Picture: NSW Police.

Significant resources have been used in the hunt for Smith.

Detectives remained tight-lipped on the status of the investigation on Tuesday, however it is known that they believe Smith was being assisted by friends in evading police.

It is despite a warning by acting Newcastle City police district commander Superintendent Darren Beeche that anyone who was found to have harboured Smith could face prosecution.

The scene of the stabbing on Michael Rd; Jesmond. Picture: Dan Proudman

“Detectives have been speaking with family and associates of both parties and we would like to remind persons that if they withhold information that could assist Investigators then they could face arrest and prosecution themselves,’’ acting Superintendent Beeche said on Friday.

Charges could include accessory after the fact to murder, a count which attracts a maximum penalty of 25 years’ jail.

Kevin Smith, 37, is wanted by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant for murder. Picture: NSW Police.

Smith is described as being of caucasian appearance, between 180cm to 185cm tall, of thin build, with green eyes, brown hair, a beard and a moustache. He has a distinctive tattoo on the right side of his face.

He is known to frequent the Newcastle area, but has ties to several locations including Sydney and Northern NSW.

Anyone who may have seen Smith is urged not to approach him and to call triple-0 (000) immediately.