Policeman injured in knife attack
A policeman suffered a knife attack in Lurgan, Co Armagh
A policeman has been seriously injured when he was slashed with a knife in Northern Ireland.
The officer, who was wounded in the face and back of the head, was attending a domestic incident in Lurgan, Co Armagh, at around 2am when the incident occurred.
Police had been responding to a report of a man locked inside a house in the Kilwilkie estate with two small children.
As they tried to enter the property the man allegedly attacked one officer. A second officer intervened and sustained a slash wound to his head. He was taken to hospital for treatment where his condition was described as stable.
A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in police custody.
The two children present in the house, aged one and three, were uninjured in the incident.
Officers undertaking an investigation in the wake of the stabbing came under attack during the night, with six petrol bombs, bricks and bottles thrown at them. The area returned to normal at 4am.
Police Service of Northern Ireland superintendent Jason Murphy said: "I have nothing but praise for the actions of the brave officers who responded to this call. The officer who was attacked has received treatment for a slash wound to the back of his head and a cut on his face.
"He and the others who attended responded to a call for help during a busy time. Their main priority was to ensure the safety of all those involved, particularly the two young children in the house. They did this with no thought for their own safety and with self restraint and professionalism.
"These are the officers who are keeping our community safe. It was more than disappointing to see those officers come under attack and the actions of those who threw petrol bombs and bricks can only be condemned."
Press Association
