A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an altercation in east Belfast early on Sunday.
Two men were involved in the incident which happened just before 7am at the junction of Pearl Street and My Ladys Road.
A 53-year-old man is in hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries.
Police say weapons are believed to have been used.
A PSNI spokesman said at this stage detectives are keeping an open mind as to the motive.
Detectives at Musgrave CID are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information relating to it to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 685 of 18/07/21.
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.