A 29-year-old man from Carlisle has been arrested on suspicion of GBH.
The incidents occurred yesterday in a property in the Fusehill Street area of Carlisle.
The incident was reported to police at 6.23pm and the assault was reported to have occurred just prior to this time.
A local man aged 40, was taken to Cumberland Infirmary, he is in a serious but stable condition.
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time or for any members of the public who have CCTV or dashcam in the area.
Please contact police on 101 quoting log number 185 of the 2nd of May.
Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.