A MAN is fighting for his life after a knife was impaled in his face last night in Southampton.

The 34-year-old is undergoing surgery after he was stabbed in the Maybush area of the city around midnight.

Police said the man was in a "very serious state" after he sustained "potentially life threatening injuries."

The scene at Mansel Road West has been cordoned off while a team of forensic officers are carrying out an investigation.

An ambulance service spokesman said they were called to nearby Anderby Road at 12.04am to reports a man had been stabbed in the face with a saw.

Paramedics rushed the victim to Southampton General Hospital. Police later confirmed the weapon used was a "large knife".

DI Simon Baker, of Shirley CID, said: "There may have been an argument that led to the male sustaining the injuries.

"We suspect other people may have been involved in assaults in that area which may have be a precursor to this incident".

DI Baker said there was a group of around 15 men and women in the area who would have seen what happened.

He appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A man is in custody helping police with their inquiries.

Anyone with information can call Hampshire Police on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.