Officer stabbed by knife-wielding attacker (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Officer stabbed by knife-wielding attacker

8:33am Friday 4th January 2008 in Swindon By Hayley Court

A POLICE dog-handler is recovering from surgery after being stabbed in the head and face in Liden.

The officer had been called to Briarswood Court shortly after 2pm yesterday following reports of a vicious assault in a flat.

As he chased the suspect with his police dog, the man lunged at him, stabbing him repeatedly in the head, face and leg with what is believed to be a bread knife.

Other officers battled to restrain the knifeman who went on to stab another officer in the face.

Police had to use a Taser gun, Parva spray and batons to control the crazed attacker.

Passer-by Lee Stone could not believe the drama that unfolded before her eyes.

She said: "Two policeman were called out to a flat and the next thing one of them got stabbed in the head.

"He was taken away in an ambulance and had his head bandaged, but he put his thumbs up. I hope he is okay.

"Then there were loads of police swarming around. It is quite shocking."

The injured policeman, who is an experienced officer with Wiltshire Police, was taken to the Great Western Hospital where he underwent surgery last night.

The other injured PC was not seriously hurt and was able to continue his duties.

Police have arrested the 26-year-old knifeman. He is under police guard in hospital where he is receiving treatment after being bitten by the police dog.

Acting Chief Superintendent Kevin Maidment said: "Police officers attended the location promptly. These Officers acted quickly and effectively to ensure that the male was located and arrested preventing further serious injuries to members of the public or officers.

"Wiltshire police will deal robustly with any persons involved in knife crime and further, we will be engaging with partner agencies to ensure that all appropriate organisations fulfill their responsibilities in managing communities."

Police sealed off Briarswood Court and Sheringham Court as they carried out a thorough examination of the scene.

Officers made a note of all the registration numbers of cars parked in the area.

Acting Chief Supt Kevin Maidment made a plea from the scene last night asking witnesses to come forward with more information about the attack.

He said: "The officers had responded to reports of a serious assault at a flat in the area.

"As officers arrived at the scene they found a male with a knife who then launched into a vicious attack injuring two officers.

"One PC, a police dog handler, was stabbed several times to the head and stabbed in the leg also.

"It took an awful lot of effort for officers to restrain the suspect and they have been left shaken by the incident."

Mr Maidment said the incident was very unusual for the area but that knife crime of any nature would not be tolerated.

He said: "We will always deal robustly with anyone involved in knife crime.

"I cannot express enough how quickly and effectively the officers involved dealt with what must have been quite an ordeal."

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Witnesses are asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.