A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a police officer was attacked on Easter Sunday.

Officers from Hampshire Police were called to an address in Basingstoke at around 4.30pm, following concern for someone’s welfare.

The force said one of the officers was attacked by a man at the address in Churchill Way.

He suffered what the force described as serious injuries and was taken to North Hampshire Hospital.

His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

His family has been informed and they and the officer is receiving support from the force.

A 43-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remains in police custody.

Alex Charge, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: “This was a despicable attack on a brave colleague and once again shows the daily dangers police officers face while protecting the public.

“Whilst our colleague has been released from hospital, he has suffered some serious injuries and the mental and physical scars will take some time to recover from. All Hampshire Police colleagues are wishing him all the best.

“Hampshire Police Federation will be supporting our colleague as he recovers, supporting his family, and also supporting the officer’s close colleagues who have to carry on the job of policing.”

A local resident told the Basingstoke Gazette that the officer had been stabbed and the seventh floor of a block of flats was cordoned off by police.

One resident told the newspaper: “It’s unusual, people are usually friendly and quiet and cause no bother.”