Blackpool stabbing – Policeman stabbed in Cleveleys after pulling van over for check

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Blackpool stabbing: A police officer is in a serious condition after being attacked in Cleveleys

The officer stopped the man while carrying out a routine check at around 10am this morning.

The driver then got out of a Peugeot van and attacked the policeman with a knife before fleeing the scene in Westmoreland Avenue, Cleveleys, Lancashire. 

Lancashire Police said the police officer suffered injuries to his abdomen and face. 

He was airlifted to hospital and is being treated for serious injuries. 

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As the driver emerged from the vehicle, a Peugeot van, the officer was attacked

Lancashire Police

A 39-year-old man from Blackpool has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody.

Lancashire Police said in a statement: “At 10am today  a PC carried out a routine stop check on a vehicle on Westmoreland Avenue in Cleveleys.

“As the driver emerged from the vehicle, a Peugeot van, the officer was attacked.

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The police officer was airlifted to hospitals with serious injuries

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The police officer pulled over the van driver for a routine check

“He suffered serious injuries including a knife injury to his torso and facial injuries and was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life threatening.

“The officer’s family are aware.

“The attacker made off in his vehicle but was detained a short time later in the Poulton area.”

Police cordoned off a section of Westmorland Avenue as forensic officers dressed in white suits gathered evidence at the scene. 

Witness Richard Bland, who lives in Kendal Avenue, said: “We saw a lot of police vans and then an ambulance pulled up; then we saw the air ambulance land just across the street.

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A 39-year-old man has been arrested

“There must have been about six or seven police vans. We saw them putting the officer onto the stretcher.

“He was talking and seemed to be in good spirits. He had a smile on his face.

“He was sat up and they didn’t have him in a neck brace or anything like that.”

Nigel Crossthwaite, of Penrith Avenue, said: “I came out of the house at around 10.30 or 11am. The police were all over and I saw the air ambulance take off.

“It was only later that I found out what had happened. Why anyone would stab a police officer is beyond me. 

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The police officer was airlifted to hospital

“It’s usually a quiet area. The chances of it happening again have got to be a trillion-to-one.”

Rachel Baines, who chairs the Lancashire Police Federation, said: “Our thoughts are with this officer, family and colleagues at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.

“A male has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. We are supporting officers through this.”

Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales Steve White has said “more must be done” to protect officers on duty.

Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, said: “This shocking incident demonstrates all too vividly the risk that our police officers run on a daily basis.

“We should be thankful the officer was not killed but it should mean we never forget the bravery that the police do need to show.

“This shows it can happen on any street corner in any town.”

Police tape was also seen stretching across a nearby gym car park in Warren Street. A white van was towed away from the scene. 

A police car, a BMW X5 was also in the car park, with a damaged window which officers confirmed happened during the arrest.