TWO more men have been arrested following an axe attack that left a man fighting for his life in hospital.

Yesterday a 42-year-old man was arrested in Dalton on suspicion of murder.

Today, the 46-year-old victim, whose condition in hospital is serious but stable, has also been arrested on suspicion of wounding.

A third man, aged 27 and also from Dalton was arrested on suspicion of GBH, but has since been released under investigation.

Police were alerted to the incident around 8pm yesterday, and eyewitnesses reported seeing a man being treated on the pavement by the emergency services.

A police spokesman confirmed around 11am today that an axe had been seized as part of their investigation.

Bloody images, some too graphic to publish, have emerged following the attack.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man carrying an axe dripping with blood into a newsagents in the town centre.

One man told how the drama unfolded before him, saying he believed an off-duty policeman eventually intervened.

The eye witness said: "I saw a guy walk into the newsagents carrying a bloody axe, then shortly after a different guy walked out covered in blood.

"I spoke to the person who runs the shop and he said that the guy with the axe was stopped by an off duty police officer who just happened to be driving past, left his car in the street."

A police spokesman confirmed around 11am today that an axe had been seized as part of their investigation.

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.”

VIDEO: Police stand outside an address in Dalton following the attack.

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Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 and quote log number 219 of today.

This story will be updated throughout the day as it develops.