At least five people have died and another is fighting for his life in hospital following a knife attack on Jersey yesterday, police said.

Police were called to a flat at Victoria Crescent, Upper Midvale Road, St Helier, just after 3 p.m. amid reports of a multiple stabbing.

States of Jersey Police confirmed five people died and a sixth person is in a critical condition and undergoing surgery at Jersey Hospital.

A 30-year-old man is under arrest at the same hospital where he is also recovering from surgery, police said in a statement yesterday night.

A major incident room has been set up at police headquarters in St Helier.

A number of witnesses have come forward and police are working to identify the victims.

Forensic officers were at the scene, with uniformed officers and detectives.

Head of crime services Stewart Gull, who is leading the inquiry, said: “Clearly this complex investigation is in its very early stages as we try to establish exactly what happened.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have any information to contact us.

“We are mindful, too, of the impact of any such serious and tragic incident on the local community, and we have police officers in the area to support the investigation and local people.”