Policeman's throat cut as he checked fare in busy street

The two officers were both taken to hospital yesterday after being knifed in a busy shopping street in Ealing, West London at around 3pm.

It is thought a passenger stabbed the two men after they had discovered he was wanted for recall to prison.

A man in his thirties was arrested at the scene and was taken to a west London police station.

The police constable suffered a slash wound to his throat and was in a serious but stable condition in hospital last night after undergoing surgery while the police community support officer (PCSO) suffered stab wounds to his head as he wrestled with the attacker.

He was also said to be in stable but "non serious" condition and was released from hospital after treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the pair, who were wearing stab-proof vests, were part of an operation checking bus tickets. The attack took place a short distance from Ealing Town Hall in a street packed with shoppers.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said he was "shocked", adding: "No place for this on the streets of London."

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: "The thoughts of police officers throughout the United Kingdom are with our colleagues in Ealing, their families and their friends at this time.

"This appalling incident highlights the dangers that police officers face every day in the United Kingdom, all too often unseen and unheard."

One witness described dramatic scenes of bloodied police officers running down the street while passers-by screamed.

Inam Mir said: "We saw police officers who went to go and help running past with blood on their hands. Some were running past with medical kits. It's quite shocking. You don't expect to see that in broad daylight."