It could be several months yet before psychiatrists decide whether attempted murder suspect John Hubbard is fit enough to be interviewed by detectives.

They may tell police officers that he will have to remain sectioned under the Mental Health Act indefinitely – and senior detectives and Crown Prosecution Service officials will then have to decide what steps to take in the investigation.

Hubbard, 66, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder nine months ago after his 73-year-old neighbour Malcolm Gordon Hockley, known as Gordon, was found with wounds caused by a garden spade and a carving knife.

The incident on May 29 last year left the community in Exmoor Road, Felixstowe – an area of largely bungalows occupied by elderly people – shocked and deeply worried.

Mr Hockley was taken to Ipswich Hospital with wounds to his throat and head, and injuries to his hands, lower body, face and back.

Another man, also from Exmoor Road, intervened in the incident to stop the attack. After a week in hospital, doctors allowed Mr Hockley – who had 17 stitches in a head wound and other sutures to a cut across his throat – to return home and he showed the Evening Star the injuries to his head and face, and the deep cuts in his fingers.

“I feel good – I have been out and about and I am just resting a bit more,” said Mr Hockley, a keen fisherman often seen with his boat at Felixstowe Ferry, at the time.

“The doctors were happy with the way my wounds are healing.”

Hubbard has not returned to his home next door and has been receiving treatment at a secure unit out of the county since his arrest.

His bail has been renewed several times, but detectives admit they are no nearer to a conclusion to the case.

A police spokeswoman said the investigation remained open but officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the alleged incident.

“Our investigations are complete and essentially we are now waiting on the doctors caring for the suspect to see what they will say before we can make any decisions on what will happen in this case,” she said.