Overwhelmed and so grateful: Pc who lost a finger in Sheffield axe attack

Pc Lisa Bates had a finger hacked off when she was attacked with a hatchet after attending a domestic incident in the Gleadless area of Sheffield in April. She also suffered a fractured skull and a broken leg.

Her male colleague, who also attended the initial incident, was injured along with a number of other officers called to the scene.

Chief Inspector Lydia Lynskey said: “Thankfully, I am pleased to report that all officers injured in this incident are now making good progress in their recovery.

“Lisa is hoping to start the next phase of her recovery and have the cast removed from her leg when she attends hospital in the coming days. Although she still gets headaches, her head and hand injuries have healed well under the circumstances and early indications are that she should make a full recovery and get the full use of her finger.

“Throughout, she has praised the surgical assessment unit at the Northern General Hospital, who have taken exceptional care of her and supported her and her family through this difficult time, and she can’t thank them enough.”

In April, South Yorkshire Police said the officer responded to the initial incident with a male officer, who was also injured.

Three other officers suffered injuries during attempts to arrest a man at a nearby Co-op store.

He was eventually detained after officers used batons and a Taser.

Local resident Simon Ellis, 46, described how he witnessed the attack and then pulled the injured Pc Bates into his flat.

Ms Lynskey said: “A Just Giving page set up by a Sheffield police officer has now closed and the proceeds have been given to Lisa and her colleague.

“They are overwhelmed by the generosity shown and they want to express their sincere thanks to everyone for the donations and the hundreds of well wishes from the public and colleagues.”

She said: “Over the coming weeks and months, Lisa is hoping to write to colleagues and members of the public to thank them personally. Unfortunately, she hasn’t got everyone’s contact details so will be unable to respond to everyone but asked that I relay this message of thanks to the public of Sheffield on her behalf.”

• Nathan Sumner, 35, has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of Pc Bates, six counts of assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of making threats to kill, affray, threatening a person with a blade in a public place and production of cannabis.

Sumner, of Plowright Close, Sheffield, is remanded in custody.