Women wearing ‘burkas as a disguise’ forced their way into a flat and attacked the occupants inside with knives and a hammer, police say.

Police have arrested a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of attempted murder following the violent attack which took place on Tuesday evening.

Two women, described as wearing burkas, managed to get inside the flat on Eldon Street, in Oldham .

They attacked a 20-year-old woman, who was left with cuts to her arms and a deep knife wound to her torso.

A 19-year-old woman suffered from knife wounds to her left arm and armpit.

Both women were taken to hospital following the attack but are not believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries and are said to be in a stable condition.

Greater Manchester Police have recovered two knives and a hammer from the property.

Officer investigating the attack are keen to speak to the two women involved in the attack and are following a number of enquiries.

The woman arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remains in police custody for questioning.

Police have also arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Det Insp Kenny Blain of GMP’s Oldham Borough, said: “Fortunately, these two women are recovering well in hospital but with the level of violence displayed in the attack, it could have been a completely different story.

“We have one woman in custody and will continue to question her throughout the day in connection with the attack but still need people to come forward with any information they have.

“It still would have been light at this time and the attack, although it was not prolonged, lasted long enough for someone to have noticed something.

“Our investigation is still very much in its infancy however, we believe this is an isolated incident and believe there is no wider to risk to the community at this time.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9063, 101 quoting reference number 2093 of 20/06/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.