early hours of yesterday morning.

The intruder broke into the property on Second Avenue, Pembroke, just before 5 a.m. by cutting through a pane of glass from a kitchen door.

When disturbed by the occupier, the attacker repeatedly stabbed his 49-year-old victim in the chest and stomach.

The victim's wife was woken by the struggle and began screaming hysterically.

She was dragged out of the house by the knifeman, who then returned inside to carry on his attack.

He finally fled on foot just before Police and neighbours arrived at the scene.

His victim, who had tried to defend himself with a chair during the fight, was rushed to hospital to receive emergency surgery. His condition in now not believed to be life threatening.

Last night a hospital spokeswoman described the man's condition as "stable'', confirming that he was on a general ward and not in the hospital's intensive care unit.

His wife, who is also a teacher, was shaken but otherwise did not need medical treatment.

Yesterday morning the home was surrounded by detectives and scenes of crime officers who carried out a detailed search of the property in a bid to find vital clues. Evidence of the brutal struggle could be seen in blood stains smeared across the doorframe of the home.

The couple subjected to the attack have since been interviewed by Police but could only give a vague description of their assailant.

He is described as being a dark skinned male who was wearing dark clothing.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have information on the attack to contact Police headquarters on 295 0011.

Yesterday's attack is the latest in a number of violent break-ins in recent weeks. On Monday another Pembroke couple suffered a similar ordeal when a knifeman broke in and demanded cash as they lay in their bed. Police were yesterday unable to say if any of the incidents are related and were also unable to confirm the motive for the attack. Nothing was stolen during the incident.