Stabbed 'burglar' to face court in Cairns

An alleged burglar who was stabbed during a robbery will face a Cairns court after being released from hospital.

Police allege three men assaulted a 59-year-old man after breaking into his Cairns unit early on Wednesday.

The trio fled after stealing a number of items but when one of the intruders returned, police say the resident had armed himself and the man was stabbed in the stomach.

The alleged burglar, 22, was found nearby and taken to hospital. He was discharged on Thursday and will face Cairns Magistrates Court on Friday charged over the burglary.

Another man, 21, will also face court charged over the burglary.

Police say investigations are continuing and others may be charged. It's not clear if they might include the burglary victim.