Two men have been arrested after a stabbing incident in Shropshire which left a 29-year-old man in hospital with serious injuries.

The man suffered stab wounds to his chest and lower abdomen during the incident which happened in Aldersey Lane in Prees Green, near Whitchurch, between 5.30am and 5.50am on Sunday.

Police today said a 25 and 28-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of assault, causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The incident happened outside the home of former newsagent Don Wilbraham, who died last year. Mr Wilbraham spent more than 30 years in charge of the family-run Wilbraham’s newsagents in Shrewsbury Street, Prees.

Today, his wife Liz was working at the newsagents but declined to comment on the incident.

A villager, who did not wish to be named, said he knew about the incident but was not prepared to discuss it. But he said he believed the incident was not a burglary that had gone wrong.

The injured man was initially treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

He was later transferred by air ambulance to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke, where he underwent surgery.

Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: “Police have arrested two men in connection with the stabbing.

“A 25 and 28-year-old were arrested last night on suspicion of assault, causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

“They are currently in custody at Shrewsbury police station and are being questioned about the matter.”

Mr Ewels added he believed the injured man remained stable in hospital today.

Inspector Sarah Wagstaff said: “We are still trying to establish exactly what happened and how the man came by his injuries.

“I am appealing for witnesses or any relevant information which might assist the police investigation.”

Call Shrewsbury CID on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.