A WOMAN was seriously injured after being stabbed, along with another woman, early this morning.

The woman was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital with serious stab wounds following the incident at a house in Olive Lane, Darwen.

Police were called to the address at 4.25am by a member of the public who reported a disturbance in the property.

On arrival officers were confronted with an injured man in possession of a large knife and two injured woman.

The second woman was said to have minor stab wounds and the man had knife injuries.

All three were taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment.

A 36-year-old man from Darwen has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the alleged attack on the two women.

Detective Superintendent Steve Brunskill from the Force Major Investigation Team said: “We have a good idea what has happened but there are still a number of key witnesses we need to speak with.

"A full investigation is underway which includes a detailed examination of the scene in Olive Lane.

“I would like to reassure local people that this was a localised incident confined to one residential address and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.

"I believe that all of the persons involved were well known to each other."

DS Brunskill added: "“Although this incident happened in the early hours of the morning I would appeal to any local residents or anyone who was driving in the area who may have witnessed something to contact us.

As the investigation progresses all information will be extremely important to me as I try to establish exactly what happened.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Blackburn police on 08451 25 35 45 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.