Elderly man stabbed to death and woman left in critical condition

34-year-old man known to the victims has been arrested in London on suspicion of murder

Police were called to the scene at around 7:30pm Wednesday night (Getty Images)

A murder investigation has been launched after an elderly man died and a woman was left fighting for her life after suffering stab wounds. 

Police were called to the scene at around 7:30pm on Wednesday night. Relatives have been informed and the coroner has been notified of the death.

The man, who was in his 80s, was declared dead around two hours after police responded to the incident and the woman, in her 60s, remains in a critical condition in Southmead Hospital, Bristol. 

The stabbing occurred on Wednesday night at a property in Higher Langham, near Gillingham, Dorset, police have said. 

A 34-year-old man who was known to the victims has since been arrested in Hammersmith in London on suspicion of murder.

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The suspect, who was arrested after a vehicle was stopped by Met Police, had suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. 

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly died and the injured woman at this extremely difficult time and they are being supported by specially trained officers.

“We will be carrying out a full investigation to establish exactly what happened at the address in Higher Langham, and I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area on the evening of April 7 to please contact us.

“A cordon remains in place at the address and there will continue to be a heavy police presence in the vicinity as we carry out inquiries.

“Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

Additional reporting by Press Association