A woman is in a critical condition and a man arrested, after a serious incident in Invercargill overnight.

Detective Sergeant Mark McCloy said Invercargill Police were called to a Mavora Crescent property in Heidelberg after a report of an assault.

A woman at the scene and was subsequently transported to hospital with critical injuries.

A 51-year-old man, known to the victim, has been charged by Police with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted murder.

He is due to appear in Invercargill District Court today.

A scene examination at the property is underway today, in conjunction with ESR.

Police said enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.