Woman stabbed by stranger in 'random and unprovoked attack' while taking out bin

A woman has been stabbed repeatedly while taking out her rubbish bin in Townsville.

A man with a knife attacked the 35-year-old outside her Pimlico home last night, leaving her with at least five wounds to her chest and more on her arms.

The woman remains in hospital in a serious condition. The alleged assailant was arrested in a park a short time after the attack, which happened just before 9.30pm. A knife was found at the scene.

Police say the pair do not know each other and the attack appears to be "random and unprovoked".

The alleged offender has been charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and is due to face Townsville Magistrates Court today.