A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a female police officer was stabbed in the neck. West Mercia Police said said the 25-year-old suspect is being held in custody after officers were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously in Clifton, near Kempsey, Worcestershire, at around 7.30pm on Sunday.

The police officer was attacked while conducting searches of the area. Police said she was treated for her injuries and has been discharged from hospital. Chief Superintendent Edd Williams called it a "truly shocking incident", adding that for police officers to be "attacked while doing their job is abhorrent". He said the officer has been discharged from hospital, "although the outcome could easily have been very different."

Chief Superintendent Williams said: "This is a truly shocking incident, and our thoughts are with the officer who was injured.

"Police officers are dedicated to protecting people, and to be attacked while doing their job is abhorrent.

"I’m pleased that the officer has now been discharged from hospital, although the outcome could easily have been very different.

"The man arrested remains in custody and officers will remain in the area today as inquiries continue."