A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two women were stabbed inside Marks and Spencer.

Police were called at 9.25am on Wednesday after reports that two people had been stabbed inside the high street store in Burnley town centre.

They found two women with serious stab wounds and they were taken to hospital, where it was confirmed their injuries were not immediately life threatening.

The Bolton News:

A cordon was put in place on St James Street and people were asked to avoid the area.

Police said patrols would remain in the town centre throughout the day as a reassurance to shoppers and workers, and anyone with information or concerns could approach an officer.

LIVE UPDATES: Police called to 'incident at Marks and Spencer' after stabbing

A spokesperson for the police said: "We were called at about 9.30am on Wednesday to a report of a stabbing inside the Marks and Spencer store in Burnley. 

"Two women received injuries which are thankfully not thought to be life threatening at this time.

"They have been taken to hospital for treatment.

"Police officers were quickly on the scene and a 57-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in custody.

"A knife has been recovered.

"Police enquiries are ongoing but at this stage this is believed to be an isolated incident.

"Patrols will remain in the area as reassurance through the day.

"Anyone with information or concerns can approach an officer.

"Nobody else is thought to be involved.

"A cordon is in place and we would ask people to avoid the area."

A spokesperson from Burnley Council said: "Frightening incident in Burnley town centre this morning which was dealt with quickly and effectively by our brave police officers.

"Police have confirmed they believe this was an isolated incident.

"Our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery go to those injured."

Anyone with information, particularly video footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0313 of December 2, 2020.