Hunter Valley police are investigating after two men were stabbed near Cessnock overnight.
About 1.50am on Friday 5 March, emergency services were called to a home on Shalistan Street, Cliftleigh, about 20km north-east of Cessnock.
It followed reports two males were fighting and had been stabbed.
On arrival, police found a man, aged in his 20s, with stab wounds to the chest and head.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital.
He remains in a stable condition.
Police were told a second man left the scene prior to their arrival.
A short time later, officers were notified when the 27-year-old man attended Maitland Hospital suffering stab wounds to the chest and neck.
He was later taken to John Hunter Hospital where he is reported to be in a critical condition.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police are conducting a canvass of the area and appealing for anyone with information to come forward, by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
