Police UK
The officer's condition is described as non-life threatening iStock

A police officer has been stabbed while attempting to arrest a man on suspicion of rape in Merseyside. He was knifed in the back following an incident in Huyton
when four officers spotted a man they recognised as being wanted on suspicion of rape.

The officers then tried to arrest the suspect before he stabbed the 30-year-old constable and attempted to run away.

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A second officer chased and arrested the 18-year-old from Huyton on suspicion of rape following an incident on 18 June in Liverpool city centre, as well as assault of a police constable. The injured officer was taken to hospital for treatment, where his condition is stable and not life-threatening.

Deputy Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: "This incident highlights once again the dangers officers face every single day, putting themselves in harm's way to deal with dangerous situations.

"The very nature of the job means officers go into challenging situations and acknowledge the risks they face. Despite this, officers put themselves on the front line protecting our communities every day and any assault on an officer serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers that officers face to keep us all safe day in, day out.

"After seeing their colleague stabbed, three officers continued to attempt to arrest the man and successfully detained him and I would like to commend their bravery and that of the officer who has been injured."

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact Knowsley CID on 0151 777 6225, the 101 number or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.