Two police officers 'slashed' in attack at shopping centre

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two police officers were ‘slashed’ in West Bromwich.

The male officers were injured after being attacked at New Square Shopping Centre on Wednesday morning.

Both officers were treated at the scene for non-serious injuries before being taken to hospital for further checks.

West Midlands Police said the officers had been patrolling the town centre when they noticed two people acting suspiciously.

When they approached the two men, they became aggressive and attacked the officers.

Two men, aged 41 and 37, and a 31-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Ian Green said: “Fortunately both officers received minor injuries but are understandably shaken by today’s incident as I’m sure other officers and staff are, as well as our communities.

“We had special powers authorised to carry out additional patrols in West Bromwich town centre as a result of an increase in violence in recent days, as our priority is keeping you safe.

“We continue to keep doing all we can to reassure our communities and stop people who think it’s acceptable to carry weapons, or use them.

“There will be increased patrols in the area and the Section 60 powers will be continuing until 10pm this evening.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "Two police officers have received treatment from the ambulance service following an incident in West Bromwich this morning.

"West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call from West Midlands Police at 11.42am to reports of two police officers who had been assaulted in New Square Shopping Centre.

"An ambulance, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with medics on board attended the scene.

“Ambulance crews arrived to find two male police officers with non-serious injuries.

"They were given treatment on scene before being conveyed to hospital by land ambulance for further checks.”

New Square Shopping Centre added on social media: "A serious incident took place this morning at the shopping centre which resulted In two police offers being injured.

"The men involved were arrested and the officers are receiving medical treatment. We are now assisting West Midlands Police in their investigation."

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo News UK