A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital after being stabbed trying to arrest a ­robbery suspect.

The officer was in a “stable” condition after being knifed in the leg in Sutton, Surrey, just before 7pm last night.

The policeman responded to reports of a knife-point robbery close to St James Road.

Officers spoke with a male victim before searching the local area.

His alleged attacker fled after spotting them and was detained outside a pub on the high street. He then stabbed the officer in the leg.

He was soon after held on ­suspicion of causing GBH and robbery.

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Chief Superintendent Robyn Williams, Borough commander for Sutton, said: “Thankfully, incidents of this nature are rare. However, they highlight the risks officers face on a daily basis whilst carrying out their duties.

“Officers regularly run towards danger in order to protect the public; for one to be assaulted in such a way is totally unacceptable, and it is only by luck that his injuries were not more serious.

“Our thoughts are with the officer, his family and colleagues.”

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