Man, 42, is arrested for attempted murder after police officer is stabbed in the leg while responding to call-out in Eastbourne
- Attack happened after police dealt with unrelated matter at around 1am today
- Man, 42, from Eastbourne, was arrested and remains in custody for questioning
- Officer self-administered medical treatment while two others captured suspect
- The injured officer was then taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton
A police officer was stabbed in the leg while responding to a call-out in Eastbourne as a man, 42, is arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The attack happened after police dealt with an unrelated matter on Terminus Road in the East Sussex town at around 1am this morning.
The officer, who suffered a serious stab injury to his leg, managed to self-administer medical treatment while two officers captured the suspect.
A handout CCTV image issued by Sussex Police showing a group of people seen on Terminus Road shortly before the attack took place, some of whom may have spoken to the suspect
The actions of officers to detain the suspect following the attack were praised by Sussex Police’s chief constable.
The injured officer was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for further treatment.
A 42-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, wounding with intent and assault by beating of an emergency worker.
He remains in custody for questioning.
Praising her officers, Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: ‘The events overnight starkly demonstrate the risk that all police officers and frontline staff face every day whilst performing their duties to protect the public.
‘It is thanks to comprehensive training and the fast thinking of those at the scene that I am not reporting something far more serious today.
CCTV handout image of a group of people who are detectives are keen to speak to in relation to the attack. A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
‘The injured officer was able to move away and self-administer medical intervention whilst his two junior colleagues – both just 15 months into their policing careers – apprehended the suspect.
‘The actions of all three officers, as well as colleagues who swiftly came to their aid, are to be commended.’
The force has released CCTV images in an appeal to trace witnesses to the attack, some of whom may have talked to the suspect.