Aussie retiree arrested over Bali stabbing

An Australian retiree is locked up in a Bali police cell over a stabbing at a Kuta bar.

Norman Polson, 78, allegedly stabbed a Scottish ex-serviceman at Gloria 99 bar after a verbal argument on Monday, says Kuta Chief Detective Dewa Tagel Wijasa.

"The victim managed to ward off the (first) stab with his right hand," he said.

"The second stab hit his right arm."

The 61-year-old victim was treated in hospital while Polson was arrested at his Kuta accommodation.

The Melbourne man is being held in a cell with seven other detainees and could face assault charges carrying a maximum two years and eight months' jail, or five years' jail if the injury is serious.