Two pensioners who were stabbed and seriously injured in their home yesterday afternoon may have lain undiscovered for up to 24 hours according to neighbours.

The women, both aged in their 70s and thought to be sisters, suffered stab wounds and "various injuries" in a home owned by one of them in Fostall Road, Faversham,

A woman who didn't want to be named, and lives two doors away from the women, said: "We weren't here at the time but we got back from the island about seven last night and there was police everywhere.

"I spoke to someone today who said that it happened on Saturday but she only managed to call for help from a bedroom window yesterday afternoon."

Both women were taken to hospital, where one of them remains in intensive care.

It is believed their alleged attacker was known to the victims.

A 29-year-old man from Sittingbourne, who was later arrested in Medway, remains in police custody.

The two women were treated by air ambulance medics, who landed in a helicopter in a nearby park in Barnfield Road.

The road was shut off by police while officers carry out their investigations and forensics remained at the scene this morning.

Betty Boswell has lived in Fostall Road for more than 40 years. Her cousin David Simpson was staying with her at the time of the incident.

David, 64, said: "We were really shocked. The police blocked the road right outside the house and there were about three ambulances and a couple of police cars.

"It's just terrible. Old people are terrified to come outside these days. The estate is getting worse and worse."

Betty, 52, added: "We would always see one of the ladies going back and forth in her car. She sometimes uses a wheelchair.

"She's really friendly and we always wave as she goes past. Poor woman. We haven't slept since it happened - it's just frightening."

Mandy Hills, who also lives in Fostall Road with three young children, said the incident was "disturbing".

She said: "Everyone knows each other along this road so it's come as a massive shock. My parents live right next door to them so it makes it even more scary for us.

"My kids play outside there and I leave my back door open with no reason to be scared, but it's always seemed safe.

"How can someone do that to an elderly person? It doesn't make sense. I grew up here and came back recently and she has always been there ever since I can remember."

Police spokesman Jon Green said of the women: "Their injuries are serious but not thought to be life threatening.

"One of them is in intensive care. The other is being assessed.

"They had various injuries including stab wounds."