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A serving police officer tried to hang himself from a lamp-post at Cheshire Police's HQ building in front of horrified colleagues.

Other officers sprang into action to rescue the man after around 20 seconds.

The force confirmed the officer was taken to hospital and is now in a stable condition.

The injured officer was described as being "a really nice lad" by a concerned colleague.

(Image: Google)

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "At 10.30am on Monday, September 10 officers responded to a concern for the welfare of a police officer at the main entrance of Force HQ.

"An ambulance was called and the officer was taken to hospital, where his condition is described as stable."

Cheshire Constabulary has lost £60m from its funding since 2010, a budget cut of 37%.

However last year a Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary Report (HMIC) report praised the way in which the Cheshire Constabulary had protected its front-line from budget cuts.

Budget cuts have hit all forces throughout the UK and placed extra strain on frontline officers.

Ian Allen, Secretary of Cheshire Police Federation, said: “We are aware of this incident and are providing support to the officer and his family.”

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