A police officer was stabbed in the neck in a shocking incident near Kempsey, prompting a major emergency response and armed police presence.
Officers were called to reports of a suspicious man in Clifton at around 7.30pm on Sunday, April 19. While searching the area, a female officer was attacked and suffered a stab wound to the neck.
She was taken to hospital for treatment but has since been discharged.
A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. Police later confirmed he has been charged with attempted murder, burglary, possession of a bladed article and offences relating to a police dog.
Additional reports confirmed the seriousness of the attack, with the officer injured while carrying out searches linked to the suspicious activity in the area.
Senior officers described the incident as “truly shocking”, highlighting the dangers faced by frontline police officers. Chief Superintendent Edd Williams said attacks on officers are “abhorrent” and warned the outcome could have been far worse.
A large police presence remained in Clifton following the incident as investigations continued, with reassurance patrols carried out locally.
The suspect appeared before magistrates shortly after being charged as enquiries into the incident continue.