Gwent police have confirmed that a male has been arrested for the attempted murder of a police officer and for arson with intent to endanger life following an incident this morning.
At approximately 05:15 hours (Thursday 23rd April 2020) response team officers responded to a report of disorder at an address in St Vincent Lane in Newport.
During the incident, a 47-year-old Police Sergeant from the Newport area sustained knife wounds to the abdomen area. The officer is currently being treated for his injuries in the Royal Gwent Hospital.
He has been described as being in a stable condition. The officers family have been notified of the incident, and specialist Family Liasion Officers are supporting them.
Shortly after officers arrived at the scene, they reported a fire at the location.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) attended the scene promptly and worked to extinguish the fire and effect rescues.
A 33-year-old PC from the Newport area was also taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. He has since been released and is now recovering at home.
Gwent Police confirmed that a man in his thirties from the Newport area has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a police officer and arson with intent to endanger life.
He is currently in police custody.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector, Mark Johnson said:
“This is obviously a very concerning incident for us and our officers.
“We have arrested a man from the Newport area on suspicion of attempted murder of a police officer from Gwent Police and arson with intent to endanger life. He is currently in police custody.
“SWFRS are now carrying out a fire investigation, and I can confirm this is an isolated case and we are not looking for anyone else connected to this incident.
“We are asking anyone with any information to please contact Gwent Police on 101.
“Finally, this is a reminder, that our officers, despite the challenges of operating under social distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 health crisis are working around the clock to keep communities safe, putting themselves before others – we wish our officer involved a speedy recovery.”
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