A WOMAN arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident at a Darwen house has been released on bail.

Detectives are investigating how a 46-year-old wheelchair-bound woman suffered face and neck injuries in an alleged attack in Laneshaw Close.

It not thought a weapon was used.

A 41-year-old Darwen woman arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and assault following the incident at 2pm on Thursday has been released on bail until March 17.

Police have said they are treating it as a 'domestic incident'.

On Friday crime scene investigators could be seen at the house carrying out forensic tests.

Community leaders and residents have also spoken of their 'shock'.

Earcroft ward councillor Trevor Maxfield said: "I'm shocked that something like this has happened in a community like we have.

"Incidents like this are not an every day occurrence thankfully.

"I wish the woman a full recovery and I'm glad we're talking about attempted murder and not murder."

A neighbour said: "I'm not sure what this is about. All I know is that two ladies live there.

"The woman in the wheelchair has lived here a long time.

"I've talked to her her a few times and she was always friendly and told me about the accident that led her to being in the wheelchair.

"The other one hasn't been here for that long."

Another neighbour said: "It's shocking. I haven't been here long but I've seen her out in her wheelchair walking her two dogs."

The victim, who was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment, has since been released.

A police spokesman said: "We have launched an investigation after a woman was seriously assaulted in Darwen.

"We were called just before 2pm on Thursday to an address in Laneshaw Close following reports of an assault on a 46-year-old woman.

"She had sustained injuries to her face and neck and was treated at Royal Blackburn Hospital. She has since been released.

"A 41-year-old woman from Darwen was arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted murder. She has been released on bail until March 17.

"This is being treated as an isolated, domestic incident."