A police officer was punched in the head and stabbed yesterday in Catford.

Police were called to Perry Vale at around 8pm on Friday, June 23, to reports of an altercation involving two men.

When police arrived, both suspects fled but were chased by a male officer.

Police say when he caught up with one of the men, the officer was punched in the head and stabbed in his left arm.

Shortly after this, police back-up arrived and an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of GBH and possession of an offensive weapon.

A knife was recovered. The man was taken into custody at a south London police station, where he currently remains.

The officer’s injuries are "not life threatening".

London Ambulance Service were called to the scene, and the officer was taken to hospital for treatment on a minor injury.

He was discharged some hours later and is now recovering well at home.

Seargent Webber, whose team was on last night, said: "I'm thankful my officer wasn't seriously injured and praise him for his actions in detaining this violent individual protecting the public."