TWO men were stabbed in separate attacks along Winwick Road overnight.

Police have confirmed that the first serious assault happened shortly before 9pm last night, Friday, when a 24-year-old man was attacked by two offenders in Brickfields Park as he was walking with his partner.

Warrington Guardian:

The pair, who were armed with a knife, chased the victim onto Winwick Road before fleeing the area.

Warrington Guardian:

While the victim sustained serious injuries and was taken to Aintree Hospital, he is in a stable condition.

A second attack then took place in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, when a group of friends who were outside the McDonald's restaurant at the junction with Folly Lane were approached by an unknown white man shortly before 3.30am.

This man produced a large knife from his trousers and attacked one of the group, a 21-year-old man from Wigan, causing serious injuries.

The victim was taken to Whiston Hospital, where his condition is also described as stable.

Enquiries into both of the incidents are ongoing, although officers do not believe the two incidents are linked.

But the force has now confirmed that a 21-year-old man from Warrington has been arrested in connection with the incident at McDonald's.

He is currently in custody 'assisting officers with their enquiries'.

Warrington Guardian:

Detective inspector Nick Henderson said: “To have two incidents of this nature in such a short period of time is extremely rare and I would like to reassure residents that we are doing all we can to establish exactly what has taken place.

Warrington Guardian:

“As part of our enquiries we’re keen to hear from anyone who witnessed either of the incidents or anyone with any information which may assist with our investigation.

“The same goes for anyone who was driving in the area at the time of the incidents and thinks they may have dashcam footage which may be relevant to the investigation.

“Additional officers will be out and about on patrol in the local area over the coming days and I would encourage anyone with any information, or any concerns, to speak to them.”

“I’d urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to contact us on 101.”

The A49 was shut in both directions near to the Tesco Extra store after the first stabbings, with nearby roads gridlocked after Warrington Wolves’ Super League clash with Castleford Tigers at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Warrington Guardian:

Police cordons remain in place on Brickfields Park today.

Superintendent Richard Rees added: “I understand that these incidents will cause concern within the local community and I would like to reassure those living locally that we are doing all that we can to trace the people responsible.

Warrington Guardian:

“Cheshire Constabulary has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in England, and we are committed to doing all that we can to reduce knife crime further.

"However, we cannot achieve this goal without the support of the local community.

“These two incidents act as a stark reminder of the dangers of knives and I urge the community to take this as an opportunity to unite against those who believe it’s acceptable to carry a knife.

Warrington Guardian:

“If you have any information regarding knife crimes or those who carry weapons please let us know, or let Crimestoppers now anonymously.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML654605 for the Brickfields Park incident or IML654821 for the McDonald's attack.

Warrington Guardian:

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.