A police officer is recovering at home after being attacked.

The officer needed 12 stitches to his face following the incident at a house in Wickford.

The terrified officer, who is stationed at Wickford police station, was forced to call for back-up after arriving at the house.

However, those officers were forced to retreat when they arrived to be confronted by a man brandishing two long kitchen knives.

They called in trained police negitiators. The injured officer claims he was punched in face which left him with an open wound. He also suffered severe facial bruising.

The officer attended the address in Rowans Way, Wickford, following a 999 call at 11.30pm last night (Thursday).

It is believed the incident had been reported as a domestic. However, as he entered the house to deal with the incident, he claims he was attacked.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and taken to Basildon police station for questioning. He was today still helping police with their inquiries.

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