Ellesmere Port man arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder Merseyside Police officer with axe

Officers were called shortly after 11.40pm to a report of a disturbance at a house on Turret Road.

Upon arrival a man left the house and swung an axe in the direction of the police officer outside the property, while making verbal threats. The axe did not make contact with the officer and he was not injured during the incident.

A Taser was discharged by the officer and the offender dropped the axe before making off back inside the house. The axe was picked up outside by a female offender who was detained.

Upon entering the property, officers found a 30-year-old man who had sustained two lacerations to his head. His injuries were not life-threatening.

The male offender, who had left the property at the rear, was located nearby a short time later.

A 34-year-old man from Whitby, Ellesmere Port was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and Section 18 wounding with intent.

A 31-year-old woman from Eastham was arrested on suspicion of affray and assisting an offender.

Both were taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed.

House-to-house enquiries are being carried out and CCTV opportunities explored. A forensic examination of the scene is also taking place.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Critchley said: "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face every single day, putting themselves in harm's way to deal with dangerous and unpredictable situations.

"The very nature of the job means officers go into challenging situations such as this knowing the risks they face.

"Despite this, officers continue to put themselves on the front line protecting our communities and incidents such as this again shows the very real dangers that officers face to keep us all safe day in, day out – I've spoken and personally thanked the officer for his fantastically brave work, and he will receive any support needed moving forward from our organisation."