A man is fighting for his life after being stabbed in the chest by an attacker armed with a sword in a shopping centre car park.

Police were called to reports a man had been stabbed following an altercation at Hunts Cross Shopping Mall in Liverpool just after 5.35pm on Monday.

The 36-year-old victim was rushed to hospital where his condition is described as serious.

Merseyside Police said the attacker was reported to have been carrying a sword and was thought to have escaped the scene on foot and in a vehicle.

A 38-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police said a 26-year-old woman was held on suspicion of assisting an offender and a sword was seized.

Detective Inspector Steve Christian from Liverpool CID, said: "The victim has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for his injury following what was a nasty attack.

"The shopping park around Asda and United Carpets would have been busy at this time of day as people shopped after work.

"I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact Liverpool CID on 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.