A WOMAN has been arrested for attempted murder after her partner was stabbed in an apparent ‘domestic’ attack last night.

Christopher Clayton suffered serious wounds to the stomach in the accident at his home in Lion Street, Church.

Neighbours said they rang police after hearing screams from the house at around 9pm.

The woman, named locally as 39-year-old Lois Dewell, is accused of trying to kill Mr Clayton and was yesterday being interviewed by police.

The couple, who were both unemployed, have lived together for around five years and neighbours have spoken of their shock at the incident.

Mr Clayton, 26, was last night in Royal Blackburn Hospital after undergoing an emergency operation.

He was initially described as being in a critical condition, but following the operation he was categorised as ‘serious but stable'.

Lancashire Police’s public protection unit confirmed that the incident was being dealt with as part of an investigation into domestic violence.

Police and forensic officers yesterday completed examinations at the scene and police are now hoping to speak to Mr Clayton this weekend.

One of Dewell’s friends, who lives in nearby Maden Street, said he was on the front step of his house when the alleged disturbance began.

He said: “She just came runnng out of the house screaming to call an ambulance.

"There was a lot of noise coming from the house beforehand.

“She wasn’t wearing anything other than her underwear and she was very upset.

“We called the police but didn’t go near the house.”

He said that he had known Dewell for more than 20 years, and that she had babysat for him in the past because she was a ‘good person’.

He said that she had lived and worked in Oswaldtwistle before moving to Church and was unable to work due to a disability linked to a leg injury.

Another neighbour said: “Everyone is appalled.

“Their house is a mess and we always see them out in front drinking on the street.

"Most of the rest of the time they just drink indoors.”