A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after his housemate was stabbed at their home.

Alan Fielden, 40, of Whalley New Road, in Bastwell, Blackburn, was taken to Blackburn Infirmary with a broken kitchen knife in his back at about 1.30am today.

He was critically ill but was later stabilised. Medical staff were today continuing to treat two stab wounds to his back and chest.

Police said Mr Fielden had recovered enough to sit up in bed and talk.

Police said a 21-year-old man, who had shared the house in Whalley Road with Mr Fielden for two years, was arrested on the suspicion of attempted murder.

He was today being questioned by detectives at Greenbank Police Station, Whitebirk.

Inspector Steve Haworth, of Blackburn police, said both men were members of the gay community but that they were not lovers.

He added: "There has been an altercation during the evening.

"It would appear a kitchen knife has been used. The remains of the knife, which had broken off, where still in his back when the officers attended.

"He was still conscious when we arrived and talking to officers, but he lapsed unconscious and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary."