A POLICE officer and a PCSO have been stabbed during a routine operation in Ealing Broadway this afternoon.

The incident happened just after 3pm today, following a routine check by police on a bus.

A PC has been slashed in the neck and his injuries are thought to be life-threatening. A PCSO was stabbed in the arms and is said to be seriously injured.

The Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Julian Bell said: “This is a truly shocking incident. I’ve lived in Ealing for 25 years and I’ve never known anything like this.

“Police officers do a fantastic job and put their lives on the line every day to keep our streets safe. Our thoughts are with the officers involved and their families. "Council officers are already reviewing footage from all CCTV cameras in the area and will be giving police every possible assistance with their investigations into the incident.”