Off-duty policeman slashed while trying to stop a shoplifter in HMV

An off-duty police officer has been attacked with a knife as he tried to stop a suspected shoplifter on Black Friday.

The officer received non-life-threatening slash injuries to his neck, face and hand at an HMV store in Leeds city centre, on Friday morning.

A 36-year-old man, from Leeds, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "At 9:07am today, police received a report of an off-duty police officer having been attacked with a knife in the HMW store, in Victoria Walk, in Leeds city centre, as he challenged a suspected shoplifter.

"The male officer received slash injuries to his neck, face and hand but fortunately these are not considered life threatening.

"Ambulance attended the scene and the injured officer has been taken to hospital for treatment.

"The suspect, a 36-year-old man, from Leeds, was detained by store staff and has been arrested in connection with the incident.

"The store is currently closed while the scene undergoes forensic examination."

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting log number 344 of November 25.