Detectives said an attack on an elderly woman in Chipping Norton yesterday was now being treated as attempted murder.

At about 5pm police were called to a house in Hailey Avenue with and found an elderly lady, in her seventies, who had sustained stab wounds.

The woman was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and remains in a stable condition.

Hailey Avenue was closed to traffic while house to house enquiries were taking place and has reopened.

Scene watches remain in place in the area.

Senior investigating officer, Det Insp Larry Johnson, said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at around the time of the incident, or anyone who has any information, which could assist enquiries to speak to police.

“A woman has sustained serious injuries and detectives are investigating to establish the circumstances.”

Supt Kath Lowe, LPA Commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, said: “This appears to be an isolated incident, however there are officers in the area today and if anyone has any information or any concerns please approach and speak to an officer or call our 24-hour enquiry centre on 101.”

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of "GBH with intent" in connection with the incident and is currently in custody.