A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm following the stabbing of a 71-year-old man out walking his dog in Borth.

Police said on Sunday that he has been transferred from police custody “to the care of health professionals where he is receiving medical treatment”.

“He is not in the community and does not present an ongoing risk to the public,” police said.

The incident has left the community shocked, a Borth councillor said.

Cllr Ray Quant told the Cambrian News: “Whilst the reprehensible incidents of stabbings is daily news in places such as London and Birmingham, you never expect such an incident to take place in your own community.

"Borth has an excellent community spirit where so many go out of their way to help others, especially the elderly, and this incident has been quite a shock for many residents.

"One has to feel sorry for the families of those directly involved, especially the elderly gentleman who set out to enjoy a quiet walk with his dogs along a river bank and ended up being airlifted to hospital having suffered major stab injuries.

“We all hope and pray that he will have a successful recovery.

“I pay tribute to those who dealt with the incident at the scene.”

Following the incident on Thursday morning, the footpath leading to the lion enclosure at Borth Wild Animal Kingdom was cordoned off, with visitors denied access for several hours.

Police said the incident was “concerning” but that there was no further threat to the general public and the incident is “highly unusual”.

Detective Inspector Jon Rees, senior investigating officer, said on Thursday: “There has been a heavy police presence in Borth since this morning and officers remain in the village this afternoon to carry out house to house enquiries and establish more information about the attack. I understand this is a concerning incident.

“There will continue to be a significant police presence in Borth as officers investigate the stabbing.

“House to house enquiries are being carried out, as is a search of the area, to ensure all evidence is captured as part of the investigation.

“This is a highly unusual type of crime to happen in Borth and indeed our force area.

“I hope residents will feel some comfort in the fact that we swiftly made an arrest and are certain we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

“My thoughts are with the victim and his family at this difficult time and sincerely hope he begins to recover soon.”