Arrest after woman stabbed at Solent Centre, Whiteley

Tory MP Paul Holmes represents the Hamble Valley constituency, which includes Whiteley.

The former Eastleigh MP said: "This incident is very concerning and alarming, and I am due to be updated by police later.

"It is important they are allowed to conduct their investigation properly and I know they are doing this.

"Police have indicated that they believe this to be a targeted event. Therefore, although I know this will be alarming for the many who work in Whiteley, they should rest assured that the area is a vibrant and safe community in which to work.

"My thoughts are with the victim and their family and stand ready to assist should they require it."

Paul Holmes (Image: PA)

One woman who works in the area said: "I just can't believe there has been a stabbing in Whiteley in broad daylight - I'm so shocked. 

"Just imagine how the other staff are feeling after turning up on an ordinary day for this to happen.

"Generally Whiteley is a fantastic area and it's very rare to have something as serious as a stabbing go on.

"All of those workers that have seen this happen were just in the wrong place. I just can't believe it - it's left me completely in shock.

"It's so crazy - the police and all the forensic people here make it look like scene from a crime drama."

Forensics officers in Whiteley (Image: Ross Marshall)

A police officer stands near evidence bags at the scene of the stabbing (Image: Ross Marshall)

Police statement

A short statement has been released by Hampshire Constabulary.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called at 9.15am to reports of a woman being stabbed at an office building.

"On arrival, a woman in her 40s was located with stab wounds to her abdomen. She has been taken to hospital for treatment, her injuries are described as life threatening.

"A 37-year-old man from Southsea has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been taken to hospital to be treated for an injury but remains with officers."

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Joanne Burton, Fareham Borough Council's executive member for health and public protection, represents part of the Whiteley area and described the incident as "very alarming".

She added: "I'm shocked.

First and foremost my thoughts are with the injured party - I hope they make a quick recovery."

Referring to the Parkway area she added: "It's a lovely location - quiet and not the sort of place where you hear about things like this.

"I'm very, very concerned - hopefully it's an isolated incident."

The Daily Echo has been told that two people were seen arguing outside the front of the building.

The source added: "There are plenty of witnesses to provide what has happened. The police are taking statements downstairs."

A new image showing the building cordoned off and intense activity at the scene (Image: Supplied)

One witness has reported seeing three police cars arriving at the scene and officers tackling a man.

He added that an air ambulance had landed in a nearby field, and police could be seen going in and out of the office carrying what appeared to be evidence bags. Forensics experts have also arrived.

Detective's statement:

Detective chief inspector Alex Spratt said: “We understand the concern this incident will cause among those working in the area, but we believe this to be a targeted incident and there is currently nothing to suggest a risk to the wider community.

"Officers will be in the area conducting enquiries throughout the day. If you have any concerns or information, please speak with them.”

A man has been arrested after a woman was stabbed at an office in Parkway, Whiteley.

Police were called at 9.15am, and on arrival a woman in her 40s was located with stab wounds to her abdomen.

She has been taken to the hospital for treatment, and police say her injuries are described as life-threatening.

A 37-year-old man from Southsea has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been taken to the hospital to be treated for an injury, but remains with officers.