Police were called to the Robert St units just after 8.30 yesterday morning after early reports of a brawl.

When they arrived they found a 21-year-old man on the footpath with a stab wound to the chest.

Ambulance paramedics treated the man at the scene before he was rushed to Tamworth hospital with serious injuries.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked and airlifted the man to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle where he remains in a serious condition.

Oxley Detective Senior Constable Rebecca McKenzie said it appears an argument broke out between a group of people at the location.

“Police will allege the injuries were sustained after an argument where a physical confrontation ensued,” she said. 

“A number of witnesses were in the area at the time and have spoken to police.”

Extra resources were called to the scene to investigate the attack and comb the area for clues.

The argument is believed to have started outside the block of units before continuing onto the road.

A search was mounted for the alleged offender before police made a breakthrough yesterday afternoon.

“A 29-year-old man was arrested by detectives in West Tamworth,” Detective Senior Constable McKenzie said.

“He has been charged with one count of wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.”

Late yesterday police applied for and were granted a crime scene warrant where they raided a home in West Tamworth in the search for clues.

“A warrant was executed at a West Tamworth address where a number of items were seized which will be forwarded for forensic examination,” Detective Senior Constable McKenzie said.

The accused was refused bail by police last night and will front an out-of-sessions hearing in Tamworth Bail Court today.