A 61-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman was stabbed outside a Birkenhead primary school this morning.

Devonshire Park Primary School will be closed until further notice after the victim suffered a knife wound to her hand during the incident.

North West Ambulance Service was called to the school at around 8.20am today.

The woman, aged in her 30s, was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital.

A major search was launched to find the attacker, with the police helicopter assisting officers on the ground.

Police have now confirmed a 61-year-old Wirral man has been held on suspicion of attempted murder.

He is in custody and will be questioned by detectives today. Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. 

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police on 777 2876 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.

The road approaching the school remains cordoned-off and staff are now being allowed to leave the premises.

Parents received a text from the school this morning to say it will be closed for the rest of the day.

The school will reopen tomorrow.