Police officer in critical condition after machete stabbing

A policeman is in a critical condition after being stabbed a number of times with a machete in a "sudden and brutal attack", Scotland Yard has said.

The officer was stabbed after attempting to stop a van at the junction of Coopers Lane and Leyton High Road in Leyton, east London, at around midnight on Thursday.

The vehicle's driver, in his 50s, failed to stop and then got out of the van and injured the officer with the machete, police said.

The policeman managed to use his Taser despite having been stabbed, with the alleged attacker then arrested by another officer.

The injured officer, in his 30s, was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The Metropolitan Police said his condition is believed to be critical but stable, and his next of kin have been informed.

The driver, who did not require hospital treatment, has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken to an east London police station.

A crime scene remains in place in the area.

Police have said there is nothing to suggest the incident is terrorism-related.

North East Command Unit Inspector Julia James described the assault as a "sudden and brutal attack".

She said: "What began as a routine vehicle stop has transformed very quickly and unexpectedly into an unprovoked attack with a weapon.

"Our thoughts are with the injured officer and his family and we wish him a full recovery.

"I would like to commend his bravery and resilience, especially as he managed to draw a Taser, despite being repeatedly stabbed, to prevent the suspect harming anyone else and to protect himself from further injury," she said.

"This incident highlights the very real risk that police officers can be confronted with on a daily basis and the courage and professionalism officers demonstrate when doing their job.

Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and quote reference CAD3/8August.