Yahoo News Man charged with attempted murder after policeman was stabbed 10 times on his own doorstep
A man has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing an undercover police officer 10 times.
John McCartney, 39, is accused of launching a “targeted” and “frenzied attack” outside the officer's house in Rayleigh, Essex, on Wednesday evening.
He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court today (Friday) charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife.
It's understood that McCartney knew the Essex Police officer, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, as they attended the same school.
The court heard that the officer suffered six stab wounds to the centre of his chest, lacerations to his chest, arm and abdomen – exposing his bowel – a half-inch wound to his upper arm and wounds to his feet.
Essex Police said he was now in a stable condition in hospital.
Blonde-haired McCartney, of Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, was clean-shaven when he appeared in the dock, wearing a prison-issue red tracksuit and glasses.
The court heard he had been living in China until three weeks ago, when he returned to the UK.
He was remanded in custody until he next appears before Basildon Crown Court on May 24 for a plea hearing.
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The victim is married to a fellow police officer and they have two children.
Following the incident, Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “Our focus has been his welfare and the welfare of his family, as well as the ongoing live investigation, and that will continue.
“Our officer is in a stable condition in hospital and we are hopeful will make a full recovery.”
Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said: "Mercifully, while his injuries are serious, I have been told they are no longer life-threatening.
"Nevertheless, attacking a police officer on their own doorstep is absolutely wicked."
