Attempted murder charge after Essex Police officers assaulted

A female officer received a head wound while tackling man with knife

Author: Anthony ZahraPublished 31st Dec 2023

A man has been charged with attempted murder after two police officers were attacked in Harlow.

Police were called to Hull Grove on Friday evening to reports of a concern for welfare.

When police arrived they found a man, armed with a knife and making threats.

A female officer sustained a head wound during the incident, she needed hospital treatment but has since been discharged.

A second officer was assaulted but did not need hospital treatment.

23-year-old Declan Diedrick, of Hull Grove, was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a knife.

He is due before magistrates on January 1st.

Essex Police says both officers involved in the incident are being supported by senior staff.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper said: “Thankfully both officers continue to recover from what this harrowing incident on Friday evening.

"Their welfare remains paramount and they will be given support from the force for as long as they feel they need it.

“We’ve been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service to charge Mr Diedrick and as such it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”