The scene of the incident in Stamford Close, ToothillTHE mother of a six-year-old boy who saw a man slumped in a doorway covered in blood after a knife attack fears the horrific scenes could trigger nightmares.

Jake Bolt was playing in Stamford Close, Toothill, at about 1pm on Sunday, when he spotted the injured man hunched in the doorway of a block of flats.

Neighbours phoned the police when they saw the 30-year-old man stagger outside.

And after hearing Jake's gory account, his mum, Charmaine Peach, rushed to help.

She said: "My son came in and said there was a man bleeding outside saying 'Help me help me'.

"When I went out I saw a man just lying there on his side about 40 metres from my house. I thought 'Oh my God, oh my God' then went to get a blanket in case he needed it for shock, but by the time I got back the police had arrived."

Miss Peach said she is worried the attack could leave a terrifying legacy.

She said: "I can't believe something like this has happened in broad daylight. My son already has nightmares and I'm worried this could make them worse."

Police say the victim, who lives on the estate, was stabbed in the thigh, stomach and face with what is believed to be a ten-inch kitchen knife.

He was rushed to Great Western Hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery, and was yesterday described as being in a stable condition.

Officers have arrested a 40-year-old Swindon man on suspicion of attempted murder and last night he was in custody awaiting interview.

Detective Chief Inspector Norman McKeaveney said police wanted to trace three other men in connection with the attack.

Forensic teams swooped on the estate and cordoned off the area until yesterday evening but they have not found the weapon.

DCI McKeaveney said door-to-door inquiries had been carried out and was hoping the victim would be well enough for interview today.

"Initially his injuries were thought to be life threatening," he said.

"At the moment we don't know of any motive for the attack. We are hoping to get a clearer picture after speaking to the victim.

"If anyone finds the knife we would ask them not to touch it and phone the police."

News of the stabbing has left neighbours reeling. One, who did not wish to be named, said: "This sort of thing always seems to be going on here. It's very frightening."

Three of the suspects are described as white and aged in their mid 30s and early 40s. The fourth is of the same age and of Mediterranean appearance.

Anyone with information can phone Swindon Police on 01793 528111.

Ben Payne