Gardai investigate Dublin stabbing.

A crèche worker is fighting for her life after being stabbed several times outside her flat in Dublin's south inner city this morning.

A man in his 40s has been arrested and taken to Kevin Street Garda Station for questioning.

A long trail of bleach and soapy water runs across the yard of the School Street flats where council workers have been sweeping the scene of this knife attack.

It's understood the victim, a woman in her 40s, was stabbed several times on the stairwell of the complex just before 8 o'clock this morning.

She managed to stumble a few yards outside the flats. The alarm was raised and she was rushed to nearby St. James' hospital where her condition is described as critical but stable this afternoon.

A technical examination was carried out at the scene and Gardai have taken a man in for questioning.

Neighbours say the victim worked in a crèche across the road and may have been on her way there when she was attacked.

Gardai are now appealing for witnesses to contact their local Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.