A MAN has been arrested after a motorist was stabbed 12 times and left for dead by would-be robbers who tried to steal his car.

The 59-year-old was walking out of the front door of a house in Worcester Avenue, Hindley, just before 10am on Sunday, when two men walked up to him and stabbed him several times while demanding the keys to his white Mercedes C220.

Despite the vicious attack, the two failed to get the keys and ran off along Worcester Avenue. Police said it is believed they ran down an alleyway towards Smithwood Avenue.

The victim is still in hospital, where his condition is serious but improving.

Det Insp Jon Keeley said: “Thankfully, the man is responding well to treatment and is improving by the hour.

“However, we need to be clear that this is by chance, not design, and the horrific injuries he has sustained could easily have proved fatal. He was stabbed 12 times just so these would-be thieves could steal his car.

“There is no history between the offenders and the victim — it appears to simply be a case of an extremely violent robbery by criminals desperate for the vehicle.

“We understand the shock and anxiety this has caused in the community.

“People are clearly going to be concerned that such an appalling attack has happened on their doorstep, so there will be a heavy police presence in the coming days and I would appeal to anyone who is concerned to speak to any officer.”

One of the men was wearing a pale pink or red top with his face covered and the other wore a pale blue top with stripes down the sleeves.

“Both men were white.

Anyone with information can phone police on 0161 8565307 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Police said the arrested man had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident and was in custody for questioning.