Football star and mother stabbed

Fears for stabbed footballer career

West Ham United footballer Calum Davenport and his mother have been stabbed in an attack at their home.

The 26-year-old defender is undergoing surgery on both legs after being set upon at his family home in Bedford.

Police have launched an investigation and his injuries have been described by doctors as "serious".

A spokeswoman for Bedfordshire Police said: "Police were called to Springfield Avenue in Kempston at 5am after a report of a person being stabbed.

"A 26-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment for serious injury which is not thought to be life-threatening at this time. A 19-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident in connection with the assault."

West Ham released a statement on the stabbing which read: "West Ham United can confirm that Calum Davenport was being treated in hospital on Saturday afternoon after an incident late on Friday night.

"The 26-year-old defender and his mum both suffered stab wounds at home in Bedford. His mum is recovering while Calum underwent surgery this morning and his injuries were described as serious by doctors. The club's medical team are in contact with hospital staff.

"The thoughts of everyone at West Ham are with Calum and his family and, due to the ongoing police investigation, no further information will be released at this time."

The 26-year-old is a former England Under-21 international, who cost the Hammers £3million when he joined them from Tottenham during the summer of 2007.

Bedford-born Davenport spent a spell on loan at Premier League rivals Sunderland last season and has also been loaned out to Watford. The centre-back started his career at Coventry and has also played on loan at Southampton and Norwich.