A SECOND person has now been arrested after a man was stabbed and left for dead in Hindley.

The 59-year-old victim was just leaving a relative's home on Worcester Avenue shortly before 10am on Sunday when he was confronted by two men.

The offenders demanded the keys to his white C220 Mercedes 11 plate and then stabbed the man 12 times, leaving him with serious injuries to his arms and his neck.

The duo fled without the car, running down Worcester Avenue and then through a ginnel towards Smithwood Avenue.

Two men, both aged 26, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in police custody for questioning.

The victim remains in hospital in a serious condition. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening at this stage and he continues to make good progress in his recovery.

Detective Inspector 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 such was the ferocity of this attack.

"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.

"It is also important that we inform the community that we have made an arrest, but our investigation is very much at the early stages and we will be carrying out exhaustive inquiries to ensure the offenders are brought to justice.

"Experienced detectives are working on this case and I would appeal to anyone who has information about what happened to call them."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5307 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.