Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of Essex Police officer
The officer sustained neck injuries during an incident on Canvey Island
A man has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of an Essex Police officer on Saturday morning.
Reports were made to Essex Police by local residents on Canvey Island about a disturbance in the area. Officers were then sent to First Avenue on the island to investigate.
Officers arrived at the scene at 4am on Saturday (November 4), but whilst at the scene - one of the responders was involved in a serious assault that left him with neck injuries.
The officer was taken to hospital for treatment, whilst the remaining officers arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in custody.
An investigation has been opened by the force, with a cordon set up to help protect the scene. Essex Police said the cordon will be in place throughout the day as they try to piece together the events that led to the assault.
Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Waldie from Essex Police said that the force were shocked to learn the news.
"We are taking this assault extremely seriously and it is totally unacceptable one of our officers had their life put in danger whilst trying to keep the public safe," he explained.
“I’m pleased to say the officer has been discharged from hospital and we are supporting him whilst he recovers. The arrested man remains in custody and we reassure the public that there is no risk as a result of this incident.”
Whilst the police are investigating the assault, officers have appealed for anyone with any information on the incident to get in touch with the force.
Specifically, police are appealing for witnesses or anyone in the local area who made have had CCTV installed who caught the assault as it happened. Those with relevant doorbell footage will also be welcomed.