DETECTIVES have been granted a 36-hour extension by magistrates to continue questioning a man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder earlier this week.

The 37-year-old was arrested on Wednesday, in connection with an attack that left another man with stab wounds to his stomach.

Magistrates agreed the custody extension on Friday morning.

Three people have also been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in relation to the incident.

A 33-year-old woman, 40-year-old man and 61-year-old man, all from the Poole area, are on police bail until the middle of February pending further enquiries.

The victim was walking through Poole Park on Saturday evening when he was attacked from behind by a stranger.

Despite suffering stab wounds, the victim managed to walk to nearby Poole Hospital where emergency surgery was carried out. He is now recovering at home.

Yesterday, a house in Fernside Avenue, Poole, remained cordoned off for the third day.

Dorset Police confirmed the semi-detached property had been sealed off as part of the Poole Park stabbing investigations.

Meanwhile, another 37-year-old man arrested earlier in the week on suspicion of wounding with intent, has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries, until mid-February.

In serious cases, such as attempted murder, police can apply to hold suspects in custody without charge for up to 96 hours.