A 37-year-old man from Southsea has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman in her 40s was stabbed at an office in the Solent Centre, Parkway, Whiteley on Wednesday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 9:15am, where the woman was found with serious stab wounds to her abdomen. She was quickly taken to hospital for treatment and is currently in a life-threatening condition.

Office Block Cordon and Forensic Investigation

The area around the Solent Centre was cordoned off, with multiple police units and forensic teams spotted at the scene collecting evidence. Witnesses reported seeing officers arriving quickly, tackling a suspect, and transporting evidence bags from the office.

An air ambulance was also deployed, landing in a nearby field to provide urgent medical support.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said:
“We were called to reports of a woman being stabbed at an office building. A woman in her 40s was located with stab wounds and taken to hospital. A 37-year-old man has been arrested and is currently in hospital under police supervision.”

Eyewitnesses and Community Reaction

Several witnesses described seeing an argument outside the building prior to the stabbing. One witness said:

“There are plenty of witnesses who saw what happened. The police are taking statements downstairs. It’s shocking.”

Another local office worker added:

“It’s surreal. Whiteley is such a quiet area. It feels like something out of a crime drama.”

Local Officials Express Concern

Joanne Burton, executive member for health and public protection at Fareham Borough Council, expressed her alarm, stating:

“I’m very, very concerned. This is a lovely, peaceful area — it’s extremely unsettling to hear of something like this happening here.”

Police: ‘Targeted Incident’

Officers leading the investigation, reassured the public:

“We believe this was a targeted attack. There is currently no risk to the wider community, but we understand the concern this will cause. Officers will remain in the area throughout the day.”

Ongoing Investigation

Hampshire Constabulary is continuing its investigation and urging any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and speak with officers in the area.