An elderly man was stabbed by an unknown assailant last night at his home in Mataura.
Southland Police said the incident happened at the man's Main St flat about 10pm.
"An unknown man entered the address, demanding money from the elderly occupant of the flat.
"When the victim said he didn't have any money the offender stabbed him once in the chest, before fleeing the scene."
Police and ambulance were called to the scene. The victim taken to Southland Hospital with serious injuries. He is currently in a critical but stable condition.