A POLICE OFFICER who was stabbed 11 times at his front door but still managed to detain his attacker has won a police bravery award.

The heroic police officer, who cannot be named, has been praised for keeping his family safe and stopping the attacker fleeing.

Following the incident, in April 2019, he was left with an exposed bowel and deep injuries to his arm, armpit, shoulder, chest, abdomen and stomach.

Despite this the officer has returned to work. Before the attack, the perpetrator had launched a harassing social media campaign against the officer and had become obsessed with him despite barely knowing him.

John McCartney, from Rayleigh, admitted attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon and was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order in March 2020.

Now, the officer has won a Essex Police Federation Bravery Award.

Essex Police Federation chair Laura Heggie said: “It was a terrifying and horrific attack, and very simply, our colleague who was targeted for being a police officer, is fortunate to be alive.

“All people – including police officers of course – expect to be safe at their homes so to be set upon like this is frightening in the extreme.

“He had no uniform, no protective equipment, no immediate back up and yet he still managed to stop this terrible individual before he could hurt other people. He is a hero.”

Despite the injuries, the officer managed to fight back, tackling McCartney to the ground and restraining him.

The officer’s wife and neighbours tended to the injuries he had sustained and helped to detain McCartney before police arrived.

Laura added: “We will never know what the suspect would have done but our colleague’s courageous actions prevented any further threat or harm. In addition, this man is now safely detained having pled to a charge of attempted murder. “Our colleague demonstrated conspicuous courage in arresting an offender and preventing harm. He exemplifies the oath of the Office of Constable and all the duties and obligations that come with it. The officer knew the risk and the danger of tackling an armed assailant and chose to do his duty.

“In every way he is a diligent and exemplary officer and a role model.”