BRAVE neighbours restrained a man who attacked a woman in a terrifying ordeal.

More details have emerged of the attack on Saturday at 2.45pm witnessed by shocked residents in Sharples.

The woman, aged 53, suffered a stab wound to her back while the 58-year-old man sustained self-inflicted stab wounds to his neck and chest.

Neighbours heard screams then saw the woman come out of her semi-detached home in Bramley Road at the junction with Wrenbury Drive.

It is understood the man, who the woman knew, had arrived at the home then attacked with a knife inside the property.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It just happened so quickly.

"As far as I know, she lived alone, and he surprised her in the house.

"We heard a squeal coming from the house.

"She came out of the house and called for help from a neighbour as she had been stabbed.

"I thought it was a prank to begin with."

The man emerged behind the woman from the house and tried to grab her.

The man added: "Two neighbours separated them. She was pulled to safety by neighbours and then he began to harm himself.

"There was blood everywhere. Other neighbours came to help restrain him."

Paramedics reportedly tried to help the man but he initially refused treatment.

The woman was taken by ambulance to the Royal Bolton Hospital where her condition was initially described as critical but is now stable.

The man was also taken to hospital and is said to be in a "serious but stable condition" following surgery.

Greater Manchester Police said neither could be interviewed until they are in a fit state. No arrests have been made.