A 39-year-old St Albans man appeared in court today (Wednesday), charged with attempted murder, after a stabbing near a school.

Herts Police were called to a flat in Townsend Avenue at 12.13am on Tuesday (13) to reports of a disturbance.

Officers found a 45-year-old man who had been stabbed a number of times. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition at this time.

A second man who was at the address, near to St Albans High School for Girls, was arrested and initially questioned on suspicion of attempted murder.

Today, a spokeswoman for the force said: “In the early hours of [Tuesday] morning Craig Sutherland, who is 39 years old and from Townsend Avenue in St Albans, was charged with attempted murder. He appeared before Hatfield Remand Court this morning and was remanded into custody.

“He will next appear at St Albans Crown Court on October 14.”

Detective Inspector Pushpa Guild from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, leading the investigation, said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the area on Monday afternoon into the early hours of Tuesday who saw or heard anything suspicious to please contact police.

“Understandably an incident of this nature can cause concern within the community; however, residents should be reassured this was an isolated incident.”

Anyone with information which would assist the investigation is asked to call the non-emergency number 101.