Three teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an off-duty female Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was stabbed in what detectives have described as a "targeted attack".
The officer had just left work at a police station in Esher, Surrey, and was walking home when she was approached by a youth wearing a hooded top and a face mask, who stabbed her in the arm.
The victim was wearing part of her PCSO uniform at the time. Detectives believe she was deliberately targeted, because of her connections with the police.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Old Church Path, Esher.
She was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but has since been released and is recovering at home. The suspect fled the scene in the direction of Esher Park Avenue.
He was described as being white, aged 14 to 15, and of slim build.
Witness appeal
Det Insp Gareth Hicks, of Surrey Police, who is investigating the incident, said: "We do not believe this to be a terror-related incident, but we do believe this was a targeted attack as the PCSO was wearing parts of her uniform at the time.
"We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen someone matching the suspect's description or witnessed three young men on a moped in the areas of Esher and Claygate between 1.30 and 3.50pm this afternoon.
"I would urge anyone who may have witnessed something, no matter how insignificant, to contact us as soon as they are able."
Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, said he was "horrified" by the attack in his constituency.
Mr Raab, the MP for Esher and Walton, tweeted:
Horrified to hear about the stabbing of a @SurreyPolice PCSO in Esher. I'm relieved to hear that the officer is now home and wish them a full & swift recovery. Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses - please come forward if you have any information.👇 https://t.co/GrOqdGtWUk
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) June 22, 2022
Three teenagers - two 15-year-old boys and a 14-year-old boy - were arrested in Claygate a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder and were questioned in connection with the attack.
They have now been released under investigation.
