A MAN is in custody following the attempted murder of a 72-year-old woman.

The victim suffered multiple stab wounds shortly after 2am along the banks of the River Severn, near Quay Street, and has been taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

A 56-year-old male is in custody on suspicion of attempted murder and the victim is in a critical condition.

Police have cordoned off a section of the popular River Severn walking route from the foot of Copenhagen Street car park.

READ MORE: Man in custody after attempted murder in Quay Street

Police tape can be seen along the edges of the car park and directly in the path of the walking route.

Two officers are at the scene guarding the site.

An officer at the scene said: "There is nothing more I can comment at this time."

A group of people sat near the police cordon, over looking the River Severn said:" We have heard about what has happened and we cannot believe it.

"Police are just up there blocking off the pathway."