Fresh witness appeal in officer stabbing probe

Detectives investigating a knife attack on a police officer in Cleveleys are appealing for witnesses
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Nov 2016, 10:15 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 17:02 BST
Police on scene after the arrest in PoultonPolice on scene after the arrest in Poulton
Police on scene after the arrest in Poulton

The incident happened at around 10am yesterday on Wednesday when a PC carried out a routine stop check on a Peugeot van on Westmoreland Avenue in Cleveleys.

The officer, who is aged 47 and from the Immediate Response Team based in Fleetwood, suffered serious injuries including a knife injury to his torso and facial injuries and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment. He was discharged from hospital late on Wednesday and is recovering at home.

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Following the incident, the attacker made off in his van before he was detained a short time later on the car park of Gym Etc on Poulton Industrial Estate, Premier Way. During the arrest, a pick axe was smashed through the windscreen of a police car.

An investigation is underway and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Westmoreland Avenue in Cleveleys or Poulton Industrial Estate to come forward.

DCI Becky Smith said: “This incident shows the risks that officers face on a daily basis and thankfully the officer involved is now recovering at home.

“We are continuing with our enquiries into what happened we would urge anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to us to come forward.

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“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the initial incident on Westmoreland Avenue in Cleveleys where the officer was attacked.

“We also want to speak to anyone who was at Poulton Industrial Estate at the time of the arrest and saw the incident involving the pick axe. It took place at the carpark of a gym on a busy industrial estate and we know that there will have been members of public nearby. If you were there and saw what happened, then please do get in touch with us.”

A 39 year old man from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been detained under the Mental Health Act and remains in a secure unit and will be interviewed at a later date.

Anyone with information can contact Blackpool CID on 01253604157 or they can call 101 quoting log 305 of 2nd November.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.