A MAN is in custody after the attempted murder of a 72-year-old woman in Worcester.

The victim suffered multiple stab wounds shortly after 2am along the banks of the river Severn, near the city's Quay Street, and has been taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

A 56-year-old male is in custody on suspicion of attempted murder and the victim is in a critical condition.

Police have cordoned off a section of the popular River Severn waking route from the foot of Copenhagen Street car park.

Police tape can be seen along the edges of the car park and directly in the path of the walking route.

Two officers are at the scene guarding the site.

An officer at the scene said: "There is nothing more I can comment at this time."

A group of people sat near the police cordon, over looking the river Severn said:" We have heard about what has happened and we cannot believe it.

"Police are just up there blocking off the pathway."