PC stabbed in back during rape arrest in Huyton Published duration 13 September 2016

image caption The officer was taken to hospital with wounds to his back after being stabbed in Westmorland Road

A police constable has been stabbed several times while attempting to arrest a rape suspect on Merseyside.

The 30-year-old officer was injured when he and three colleagues on foot patrol stopped the man, 18, on Westmorland Road, Huyton at 11:20 BST.

He tried to flee but was caught and is being held on suspicion of attempted murder and rape.

The injured officer was taken to hospital with wounds to his back, which are not thought to be life threatening.

image caption Westmorland Road was cordoned off after the attack on the officer

The alleged rape took place in Liverpool in June, Merseyside Police said.

Deputy Chief Constable Carl Foulkes paid tribute to the officers involved for their quick response to the knife attack.

"After seeing their colleague stabbed, three officers continued to attempt to arrest the man and successfully detained him," he said.

"I would like to commend their bravery and that of the officer who has been injured."