DURHAM - Two New Hampshire men are under arrest, charged in the stabbing and assault of two University of New Hampshire students over the weekend.

Eric Salovitch, 21, of Raymond, and Daniel Robbins, 21, of Tamworth, were arrested Tuesday night. Salovitch, a former UNH student, is charged with two counts of first degree assault while Robbins, who is currently enrolled at the university, is being held on a second degree assault charge, according to Capt. David Holmstock.

Salovitch allegedly stabbed Nathan Dignan, 19, of Hudson during a brawl that broke out about 1:30 a.m. Saturday on Strafford Avenue, near the intersection of Edgewood Road. Dignan, who was stabbed in the abdomen and arm, was seriously injured and taken to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover for treatment.

Robbins is accused of hitting Philip Hurley, 20, of Hampton, over the head with a beer bottle.

According to affidavits filed in Rochester District Court, Robbins told police he and Solovitch were walking on campus when they got into an argument with a group of men.

The fight started when Robbins allegedly hit Hurley in the head with a beer bottle. Robbins told investigators the men attacked him, knocked him to the ground and then kicked him while threatening to kill him.

Salovitch, he said, came to his defense, pulling out his surveying knife which police described as a hunting knife.

"He stabbed him to get them off me," Robbins told investigators, according to the sworn affidavit.

Salovitch is being held on $10,000 cash bail, while Robbins' bail was set at $5,000 cash in Rochester District Court.

Probable cause hearings for the two men are set for Feb. 15 in Dover District Court.