Rayleigh police officer stabbing: Man charged with attempted murder Published duration 26 April 2019

image copyright Google image caption John McCartney has appeared before magistrates in Southend

A man has been charged with attempted murder after an off-duty police officer was stabbed 10 times while at home with his wife and children.

John McCartney, 39, of Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, was arrested after the attack in the Rayleigh area, at about 21:15 BST on Wednesday.

On Friday, Southend magistrates heard he launched a "targeted" and "frenzied attack" when the alleged victim answered his door.

Mr McCartney was remanded into custody.

He has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and will next appear at Basildon Crown Court.

The court heard Mr McCartney had been living in China until he returned to the UK three weeks ago.

Magistrates were also told the alleged victim suffered six stab wounds to the centre of his chest and lacerations to his chest, arm and abdomen.

Essex Police said the victim remained in a stable condition in hospital.

Following the incident, chief constable BJ Harrington said: "Our focus has been his welfare and the welfare of his family, as well as the ongoing live investigation, and that will continue."