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(Image: TWITTER)

The police officer is seriously injured and is believed to have multiple injuries after the clash.

The suspect reportedly tried to grab the officer’s weapon and when the attempt failed – he took a knife and stabbed the officer in the throat.

The 31-year-old knifeman, who is said to be mentally-ill, attacked the officer because she "represented France", local news outlet La Depeche du Midi reported.

(Image: TWITTER)

There is no further information on the police officer’s condition who is being treated in hospital.

The incident took place in the Rempart Saint-Etienne in the French city.

France has been on high alert in recent months after being hit by a number terror-related attacks.

On Bastille Day, an ISIS-inspired attacker drove a bus threw a crowded street, killing 84 people.

(Image: TWITTER)

(Image: TWITTER)

Police arrested the attacker, who is reportedly of Algerian origin, at around 2.30pm (local time).

According to reports, the attacker entered the police station to make a complaint when he was detained.

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