Attempted murder arrest after knife attacks

Police were called to several incidents of violence following a stabbing near a mosque

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, after a series of violent incidents following a stabbing near a mosque.

Lancashire Police was called to the Raza Jamia Masjid in Accrington, Lancashire, at 14:30 BST on Friday over reports a man in his 40s had been attacked.

The force said officers later went to Steiner Street, where there were reports of people fighting with weapons, before another man was found stabbed in nearby Craven Street.

Police have not said over which of the two attacks they were holding the 33-year-old man they arrested, but have said they believed the incidents to be linked.

The force said a 36-year-old man, and two women, aged 33 and 36, were in custody on suspicion of affray.

The man stabbed near the Raza Jamia Masjid was described as being in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

But the man police later found in Craven Street, at about 17:20, was said to be "very poorly".

A spokesman for the force said: "While we are at the early stages of our investigation these incidents are being treated as linked.

"An investigation is under way and inquiries are ongoing.

"You will see a significant policing presence in the area, to both carry out enquiries, and provide reassurance.

"This increased presence will remain over the coming days."