THE hunt for the weapon used in a double stabbing incident in Nelson was continuing today.

Two men, aged 48 and 51, were believed to have got into a fight over Christmas presents at a house in Chapel Street on Saturday afternoon.

Both men, one of whom neighbours named as former soldier Steven Martin were today said to be 'poorly' in Burnley General Hospital after extensive surgery.

Police and paramedics were called to two addresses in the street after a four-year-year-old girl ran to a neighbour saying her father had been stabbed.

Police said a man stabbed Mr Martin after a row before turning the knife on himself.

Railway personnel and British Transport police today joined police to search the Chapel Street area and the railway land for the weapon, believed to be a bladed implement.

Leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Sam Birtwell, said: "We are were not searching for anybody else in connection with the incident but we are keeping open minds.

"We are appealing for members of the public with any information about the incident and also appealing for any witnesses who may have found the item or who may have any information regarding its whereabouts to contact us."

Anybody with information should contact police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.