Stabbed footballer 'progressing'

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Premier League footballer Calum Davenport is "stable but progressing" after he was stabbed in both legs, his club West Ham United said.

Mr Davenport suffered heavy bleeding after he and his mother were allegedly attacked by his sister's boyfriend in Kempston, near Bedford, on Saturday.

Worrell Whitehurst, 25, from Derby, is charged with two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was remanded in custody by Bedford magistrates on Monday.

Mr Davenport, 26, underwent surgery at Bedford Hospital where he is in intensive care.

It is understood that his mother, Kim Stupple, 49, is in a stable condition.

A West Ham spokeswoman said she could not comment on reports that doctors were "confident" of saving the footballer's left leg, which it was feared he may lose.

Mr Whitehurst is due to appear at Luton Crown Court in November.

A 19-year-old man arrested after the stabbing has been released on bail by Bedfordshire Police pending further inquiries.

Mr Davenport cost West Ham £3m when he joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer of 2007.

After struggling to hold down a first-team place the defender has been linked with a move.