THREE men have been arrested in connection with an attempted murder inquiry.

Two suspects remain under detention at Furness General Hospital. They are both said to be in a stable condition, while a third has been released after questioning.

Police are investigating an incident which left one man with life-threatening injuries and another with serious wounds.

Detective Inspector Helen Curme said: “We are working hard to establish what exactly has happened.

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this time, and I would like to reassure the public that it is not being treated as terrorism related.

“I would ask that anyone with information that could help the investigation should please get in touch and let us know.”

Police were called to Dalton at 8pm Thursday following reports a man had been attacked with an axe.

Officers and paramedics tended to the casualty at a house in Broughton Road, while a second man was helped in Market Street near to Tudor Square.

Images emerged of the scene which showed a man in blood-soaked clothes sitting on the ground.

Police confirmed they had recovered an axe from the scene of the incident.

A 42-year-old man from Dalton was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of attempted murder; he sustained injuries during the incident and is at Furness General Hospital where he is being detained.

A third man, a 27-year-old from Dalton, has now also been arrested on suspicion of GBH in connection with incident. He has been released under investigation.

Anyone with information is should call Cumbria Police on 101 and quote log number 219 of yesterday, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.