A MAN was last night in a stable condition after being attacked with an axe at his home.

Peter Peplow, 61, suffered severe head injuries during yesterday's attack in Southampton which is being treated as attempted murder.

He was rushed to the city general hospital for emergency surgery on a fractured skull following the incident at 4am.

Mr Peplow was found outside his flat in St Mary Street by a passing taxi driver.

Officers in riot gear forced their way into a neighbouring flat as they thought that a suspect might have been there.

Neighbours said Mr Peplow had lived in the street for ten years.

A nearby caf owner said: "He always comes in every Saturday - he is known as Pete the Book as he is always reading.

"He does keep himself to himself but seems like a nice man."

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack. Det Insp Dennis Stephens, head of the investigation, said: "Inquiries are still continuing.

A 23-year-old man was being questioned yesterday in connection with the incident.

* Anyone with information should ring 0845 045 4545.