A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly breaking into a home at Newcastle and stabbing a man almost to death while he slept.

The 36-year-old allegedly forced his way into the Lowana Crescent home at Windale through an open window about 1.40am on Friday.

Police said a 49-year-old man, a 37-year-old woman and three children aged six, 13 and 16 were asleep inside at the time.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER THIS ADVERTISEMENT

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISED HERE?

Allegedly armed with a knife, the intruder is accused of walking into the adults’ bedroom and trying to kill the man in a frenzied attack.

Police said the accused allegedly stabbed the 49-year-old man in the face and chest multiple times before running out of the house.

Barely alive, the victim was treated by paramedics at the scene before being rushed to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

In a statement, NSW Police said investigators believed the attack was targeted.

Less than seven hours later, detectives arrested a 36-year-old man in Adamstown.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with causing wounding grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

The man was also charged with two counts of contravening a personal apprehended violence order.

He was refused bail in Newcastle Bail Court on Saturday morning and is due to appear in Belmont Local Court on March 13.

If you have information for Police, please contact NSW Police on 131 444 or provide information using their online form 24 hours per day.

You can report also information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au 24 hours per day. Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation.