POLICE have launched an attempted murder inquiry after a 51-year-old Bury man was stabbed three times last night.

The man was seriously ill in hospital today after the knife attack outside Ladbrokes bookmakers in Princess Parade, Bury.

Two men, aged 53 and 45, are being interviewed by detectives following the attack at around 7.30pm in which the victim was stabbed in the chest, stomach and right arm.

The area was sealed off by officers who arrested the two men, one of whom had received a minor knife wound to his eye.

Det Sgt Duncan Heywood, of Bury Police, said: "The victim is a local man who is currently in a serious but stable condition in Bury General Hospital.

"His injuries were feared to be more serious although they are now not thought to be life-threatening. The matter at this stage is being treated as an attempted murder."