Four people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a stabbing attack outside a pub in Plymouth.

Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the Railway Inn on Albert Road in Stoke at about 10pm to reports of multiple stabbings.

The victims sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and were taken to Derriford Hospital for treatment.

A police spokesman confirmed they had been stabbed.

The suspect initially fled the scene but a 50-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Armed police initially carried out a search at a property in Breacon Park but found the suspect was not at the address, the force said.

Officers later stopped a man in a vehicle on the outskirts of Ide in Exeter, almost 40 miles away from the pub.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: “The suspect had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, but has initially been taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

“Police inquires continue into this matter. Anyone with any information and who has yet to have spoken to an officer is asked to contact 101 quoting log number 1112 19th September.”

Albert Road has been sealed off and a police cordon remains in place.