A KNIFEMAN who carried out a frenzied attack on his estranged wife and mother-in-law was still being hunted today.

A woman, aged 57 who was not being named, is "very poorly" after surgery for serious head wounds, fractures and internal injuries at Hope Hospital.

The second woman, 33, suffered serious stab wounds and was beaten unconscious. Her condition was today described as "comfortable".

Police are continuing their 24-hour guard of the hospital.

The man, believed to be suffering from depression, was last seen at Leigh's Pennington Flash at 9.30am yesterday. He had fled the family home in Hindburn Drive, Mosley Common, Boothstown, at 11pm on Tuesday.

Det Chief Insp Kenny Caldwell, who is leading the attempted murder investigation, said: "Although he is dangerous and should not be approached, we believe that he is more a danger to himself.

"It is possible that he may already have killed himself and we will be searching Pennington Flash again today."

Police are still waiting to interview the victims as well as the children who are undergoing counselling. The attacker is 5ft 11, white, slim with straight short hair, aged 39, with a pock-marked face and glasses. He was wearing a green jacket and blue jeans and has a southern accent.

Anyone who recognises him should contact the police.

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