A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an off-duty police officer was stabbed at a house in Rayleigh.

A major police presence flooded a residentiual street, in Rayleigh, on Wednesday night after the attack, which left the officer with serious injuries.

At least three armed units, 12 police cars and two ambulances were spotted in the street soon after what the police have described as a “targeted and isolated” incident.

The officer suffered serious stab wounds to his stomach, chest and arm and was rushed to hospital.

One neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The first I became aware of it was when the ambulance arrived at high-speed. One man was loaded very quickly into the ambulance which left under what looked like an armed guard.

“There were several marked and unmarked cars there.

“A senior officer arrived and clearly briefed all the officers who then began to knock on surrounding houses.”

A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He was still in custody as the Echo went to press last night.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to reports a man had been stabbed at an address in Rayleigh at around 9.10pm on Wednesday, April 24.

“We attended and found a man with serious injuries to his stomach, chest, and arm.

“A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in custody.

“At this time detectives believe the incident was targeted and isolated and there is no wider risk to the community.

“We are not seeking anyone else in connection with this incident. We can confirm the victim involved in [the] incident was an employee of Essex Police.

“We will not be commenting any further at this stage.”

The victim remains in a serious but stable condition after receiving treatment.

A spokesman for the Essex Police Federation offered support to the victim's family.

He said: "Last night, one of our colleagues was the victim of a horrendous, targeted and violent attack.

"He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

"The thoughts of Essex Police Federation and the officers we represent are with our colleague and his family.

"The Force and Federation are supporting them."

Officers carried out door-to-door enquiries around the area in the aftermath of the incident and were appealing to neighbours for CCTV footage.

Residents reported that forensic officers were on scene examining the evidence into the early hours of the morning.

Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101 quoting incident 1274 of April 24 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.