Detective stabbed in bookies raid

The man, in his mid 30s, was investigating an unrelated matter at the Coral bookmakers in Bracknell, Berkshire, with a female colleague when the robbery took place at about noon.

He has been praised for his bravery in tackling the robber, who stabbed him twice before making his escape with a small amount of cash.

Chief Insp Simon Bowden, commander of the Bracknell police area for Thames Valley Police, said: "The detectives, in plain clothes, literally stumbled across the robbery as it took place. The officer intervened to try to apprehend the offender, very bravely, and suffered the stab wounds."

The victim, an unmarried man who lives in the Reading area, has undergone surgery at a local hospital. His family is at his bedside in the intensive care unit.

A man in his late 20s has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and attempted murder.

Police launched a major search, involving the police helicopter and the force's dog unit, which led them to the suspect, who was arrested at about 1.40pm.