And in an unconnected incident in Accrington, a 34-year-old woman has been charged with wounding after she allegedly stabbed her partner in the neck.

Police were searching for a weapon in a park close to Mill Hill Community Centre, Parkinson Street, Blackburn, last night after a 35-year-old woman was stabbed.

Officers said the incident was thought to have taken place outside a house in Suffolk Street, Blackburn, at about 4.45pm yesterday.

The woman was taken to Blackburn Infirmary and her condition was today described as "not life threatening."

Officers closed Parkinson Street until 8pm as they gathered evidence.

A man was in custody at Blackburn police station today, where he was due to be questioned.

Det Sgt Gary Dunnagan, of Blackburn CID, added: "It is too early to say what happened. We have a number of witnesses and will be investigating this morning."

Police also arrested Jayne Halstead, of Marsden Street, Accrington, at about 4.30am on Saturday, after an alleged incident close to the junction of Sandy Lane and Manchester Road.

Police said her partner James Webster, 28, was stabbed with a kitchen knife. It was removed after he was taken to Blackburn Infirmary.

Insp Stuart Bruce said: "There seems to have been some sort of argument involving the couple, who we believe have recently split up."

Mr Webster was today in intensive care, where his condition was described as very poorly but stable.

One resident living near the scene of the incident said: "It is horrible. I am so shocked. We saw all the police cars and wondered was going on."

Miss Halstead was due to appear before Hyndburn magistrates today.

Wounding

charge

woman

due in

court

Stabbings