Police have launched an investigation and his injuries have been described by doctors as "serious".

West Ham released a statement on the stabbing which read: "West Ham United can confirm that Calum Davenport was being treated in hospital on Saturday afternoon after an incident late on Friday night.

"The 26-year-old defender and his mum both suffered stab wounds at home in Bedford.

"His mum is recovering while Calum underwent surgery this morning and his injuries were described as serious by doctors.

"The club's medical team are in contact with hospital staff.

"The thoughts of everyone at West Ham are with Calum and his family and, due to the ongoing police investigation, no further information will be released at this time."

The 26-year-old is a former England Under-21 international, who cost the Hammers £3m when he joined them from Tottenham during the summer of 2007.

He did not figure in West Ham's first game of the season, at Wolves last week.

Bedford-born Davenport spent a spell on loan at Premier League rivals Sunderland last season and has also been loaned out to Watford.

The centre-back started his career at Coventry and has also played on loan at Southampton and Norwich.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the London force had been contacted about the attack but was not involved in the investigation.

The 6ft 4ins, blonde footballer, who is a fringe member of the squad, has been linked with a move away from Upton Park in recent weeks.

A resident of the quiet suburban street where the stabbing took place said: "We are all a bit shocked to tell the truth.

"You just don't expect something like this to happen here, it's a peaceful, quiet spot normally."

The man who didn't wish to be named added: "You can't get near the house now, it's all been taped off by the police."