Man due in court after police officer stabbed and suspect ‘fled in dinghy’

A man will appear in court after a police officer was stabbed and the suspect allegedly fled across an estuary in a dinghy.

Police were alerted to calls of concern for a man at East India Harbour, Greenock, Inverclyde, at about 2am on Sunday.

One police officer was stabbed in a “disturbance”, and the suspect allegedly fled in a dinghy before being arrested at Rhu Marina near Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, on the opposite side of the Firth of Clyde.

The victim was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment for a stab wound, where his condition was described as stable.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with attempted murder of a police officer and a report submitted to the procurator fiscal.

A man was due to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court on Monday.

Police Scotland praised the “incredible bravery and professionalism” of the injured officer and said there was “no risk” to the public.

Superintendent Emma MacKay said: “The officer and his colleagues showed incredible bravery and professionalism during this difficult and challenging incident and I would like to thank them for their efforts.

“The incident was contained with no further risk to the public.

“We’d like to thank our emergency services colleagues and partner agencies who were on the scene and provided vital assistance during the incident.

“Our thoughts are with the officer, his family and colleagues at this time. We will continue to offer them all the necessary support.”