A Hamilton man was stabbed early this morning after waking to find an intruder holding a knife to his child.

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The father heard noises in his Pukete home about 12.30am and went to investigate.

He found an intruder holding a knife to his 3-year-old.

The father started wrestling with the man and suffered multiple stab wounds.

When police arrived a short time later the pair were still involved in a tussle in the toddler's bedroom.

The father suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Waikato Hospital.

A 25-year-old man, who also suffered some cuts, has been arrested and is expected to appear in Hamilton District Court today.