A BLACKPOOL doctor was saved by two plucky nurses after a woman attacked him with an axe on Tuesday morning (February 13).

The nurses, who have not been named, rushed in and restrained the 41 year-old woman when she burst into Dr Mark Saunders' surgery at Marton Medical Centre, Glastonbury Ave, at around 2pm.

Dr Saunders, 37, was then taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and treated for a cut on his head after the woman -- who has not been named and is not one of his patients -- burst in and swung the wooden-handled weapon at him.

Dr Saunders said: "I am deeply shocked by what happened and would like to thank the practice staff for their prompt action in coming to my aid and dealing with this situation."

The woman was detained by police at Blackpool Central police station and then transferred to the secure unit of a local psychiatric hospital.

A police spokesman said the investigation was still open and the woman would be interviewed when it was deemed that she was well enough.

Practice manager Marie Chambers said: "Safety of all our staff and patients is of paramount importance and practice security has been reviewed and additional security measures are to be introduced."

The staff are now to be issued with guidelines on how to handle difficult situations.