A MAN who fought off a knife attack at his home was arrested by police and spent a night in a cell.

John McCarthy, 43, grabbed a golf club after a man tried to stab him with two butchers' knives.

In a desperate struggle, in which Mr McCarthy feared for his life, he knocked out his assailant with a blow to the head.

But he was kept in custody for eight hours after the knifeman was found by police semi-conscious.

Mr McCarthy says he was asleep at his flat in Ashton under Lyne when there was a knock at his door just after midnight.

Outside was a thug who coaxed him into the street by saying his daughter's boyfriend needed him.

Putter

The father-of-two said: "Once I stepped out he pulled out two 12 inch knives and lunged at me.

"I was frightened for my life so I fought back, grabbing a golf putter.

"We ended up in the street and I knocked him out. Then I ran back into the flat and called 999.

"I have no idea why he attacked me. I have never had a bad word with him. I am at a loss to understand why he came to my flat.

"Even one of the policemen apologised as they arrested me. I couldn't believe it."

Mr McCarthy was questioned on suspicion of wounding. He has been bailed until February 16.

Chief Supt Zoe Hamilton said: "Faced with the evidence that a man had been struck with significant force in circumstances that could not be immediately verified, officers arrested a 43-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

"This matter is still under investigation and officers will make further inquiries into it."