South Perth suspected stabbing: Man in critical condition after incident on Canning Highway

One man has been arrested and another remains on the run after a violent attack left a man fighting for his life on Wednesday night.

Cannington detectives arrested a man at the Como Bowling and Recreation Club after a man in his 30s was found with serious injuries — believed to be the result of a knife attack — on Canning Highway, in South Perth.

Police and paramedics swarmed the busy route, near Hensman Street, around 2.40pm following reports a man had been found with multiple lacerations.

A St John WA spokeswoman said the man was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital from the scene before arriving about 3.40pm. A hospital spokesperson said the man was undergoing emergency surgery on Wednesday night.

He remains in a critical condition.

A witness — who was attending a wake at the club — said she saw about 10 police officers swarm the venue before escorting a male out of the toilets.

She said the man appeared to be “just a teenager”.

“All of sudden we noticed all the police quietly coming in and going down to the bathroom ... we were wondering what was happening,” she said.

Once he was arrested, the witness said the young man appeared “shocked” he had been found.

“He was walking around looking dumbfounded to be honest, in a world of his own, maybe a bit shocked to be honest.”

Police have confirmed the male was arrested regarding the incident as a second person remains on the run.

It is believed the people involved are known to each other.

Forensics and detectives collected evidence at the scene and police were seen entering a home off Canning Highway, nearby Hensman Street.

Blood was spattered on a wall outside the home while other items including clothing and a hammer were strewn across the footpath.

Forensics photographed an item, appearing to be a sharp tool, in bushes opposite the highway from where the bloodied clothes and hammer were.

One resident told The West he didn’t hear anything despite gardening in his front yard less than 100 metres from the incident.

Police dogs were seen in the area as the hunt for the second person involved continues.

The public is warned the person may be armed.

“A number of resources are currently at the scene and members of the public are asked to avoid the area,” police say.

Canning Highway between Douglas Avenue and South Terrace reopened in both directions by 6.30pm.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police immediately on 131 444.