TWO police officers have been taken to hospital after they were both stabbed.

The two officers were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital at around 11am this morning after suffering stab wounds to their arm and head respectively. Their injuries are described as non life-threatening.

The pair, one in his early 20s, the other in his late 30s, responded to a call that a man was acting suspiciously at the back of Gurney Street, in Darlington, just before 11am.

When they approached the man, he became violent and attacked them. One of the officers sustained a stab wound to the arm and the other to his head. Members of the public assisted the officers in detaining their assailant.

Chief Supt Andy Reddick said: “Recently there have been a number of incidents in which members of the public have given timely assistance to officers in the execution of their duties. This is another example of the outstanding support police officers have received from local people and I want to thank them for that.

“People can be reassured that this was an isolated incident and is in no way linked to any wider disorder.”

Anyone who was in the vicinity of Gurney Street should contact police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

* A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He has been taken to Darlington police station.