Incredible bravery of officer praised after sword attack

26 March 2018

A Greater Manchester police officer has been slashed with a sword in a Manchester street attack after what the force called an "incredibly nasty incident".

The incident, which happened on Sunday in the Whalley Range area of Manchester, left the Officer with wounds to his face and shoulder which he received hospital treatment for. He is now recovering at home, the force said.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and assaulting a police officer.

A witness said the attacker ran towards officers with a 3ft sword held "up in the air" before being detained on Upper Chorlton Road.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said: "The officers responded with immense bravery to this report and while the sergeant is making a good recovery, this was an incredibly nasty incident which could have been so much worse."

He said the force had received "an overwhelming number of messages of support and best wishes for the officers involved," adding: "We feel proud protecting and serving the communities of Greater Manchester."

Police said they were responding to reports of an armed man threatening people about half a mile away in Demesne Road.