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Off-duty Essex Police officer stabbed three times on his doorstep

Police believe it was a targeted attack. (Google)
Police believe it was a targeted attack. (Google)

An off-duty police officer is in a serious condition after he was stabbed three times on his doorstep in Essex last night.

He was rushed to hospital with wounds to his stomach, chest and arm, he is now recovering there in “a serious but stable condition”.

Essex Police said they responded to a call reporting a man had been stabbed on Church Road in Rayleigh at around 9.10pm on Wednesday night.

The news comes the day the Office For National Statistics said 2018 had the highest ever recorded number of stabbings.

A spokesman for the force said: "At this time detectives believe the incident was targeted and isolated and there is no wider risk to the local community. We are not seeking anyone else in connection with this incident.

"A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in custody."

They also confirmed the wounded person was an employee of their force.

One concerned neighbour told Essex Live: "A person knocked on the door and stabbed an off-duty police officer three times in the chest."

Amanda Dann, who has lived on the road for 25 years, told the news website: "It’s quite unnerving really. I did see some flashing lights last night. But it’s such a quiet area I didn’t think much of it.

"I’m surprised I really am. What bothers me most is that it’s a targeted attack. It suggests it’s not a one off. It’s quiet an elderly area around here too. It’s the last thing you’d expect."