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The woman, who has not been named, was attacked at lunchtime on Tuesday in the Rempart Saint-Etienne area.

A man, reported to be of Algerian origin, tried to grab the officer's gun and it is understood that when he failed, he pulled out a knife, repeatedly stabbing her in the throat.

The woman is in a serious condition and the area around the polcie station is in lockdown.

French media are reporting a 31-year-old man has been arrested.

It is claimed the man entered the station under the pretence of making a complaint.

The motive behind the attack is unclear.