ON THE SCENE: Police investigate a house where an alleged was stabbed during a home invasion.

An alleged armed robber has had surgery in Wellington Hospital after being stabbed multiple times with his own knife.

The 23-year-old masked man was stabbed after losing his knife in a scuffle with someone at the house he intended to rob.

Detective Senior Sergeant Donna Howard said two men approached a house on Rodrigo Rd in Kilbirnie yesterday about 7pm, armed with a knife and with their faces covered.

The pair demanded cash and cellphones from the four people in house, she said.

But the occupants of the house fought back.

During the scuffle, one of the robbers was disarmed and stabbed. An occupant of the house also received minor injuries.

One of them tackled the knife-wielding man to the ground and another then jumped in to help, Ms Howard said.

‘‘The occupants of the house have fronted at the police station and then we’ve been alerted that the injured man has presented himself at the hospital and has then collapsed.

‘‘It’s possible that the male that has undergone surgery is known to one of the persons at the address.’’

The stabbed man was taken to Wellington Hospital in a serious condition, underwent surgery last night and was in an induced coma.

When he woke today police hoped to speak to him, and charges were likely to follow.

The Rodrigo Rd property remains cordoned off while police examine the scene.

Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen the masked men approach the house or witnessed the vehicle they arrived in, Ms Howard said.

‘‘At this stage all our enquiries are continuing. We are making good in-roads.’’

Anyone with information can contact police on (04) 381 2000 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.