A MOTHER of five was stabbed 20 times with a screwdriver in a frenzied attack in her home today. Caroline Makki, 27, suffered wounds to her face, chest and back as she tried to fight off her attacker early this morning. Police were called to the house which Mrs Makki shares with her common-law husband and children in Jedburgh Avenue, Bolton.

It is believed the horrific stabbing came as she lay on a mattress in the living room.

Paramedics tended her as she was transferred to the Royal Bolton Hospital for emergency treatment.

She was today in a 'stable' condition.

This morning, a policeman remained on duty at the house, which had been cordoned off following a search by Scene Of Crime officers.

Officers were alerted to the horrific attack by a female relative of Mrs Makki who heard her screams.

A police spokesman said: "Shortly after 4am we received a call stating that a mother of five had sustained numerous injuries.

"She was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where she is detained awaiting treatment."

Following the attack Mrs Makki's five children are believed to have been taken to her mother's home in Breightmet, where they are now being cared for.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

He was taken to Astley Bridge police station and was due to be questioned by detectives.