A South Australian police officer has been seriously injured in a stabbing and her alleged attacker has been shot by police in Adelaide’s north this morning.
Police said the female officer was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being stabbed in the neck.
The 27-year-old suspect has also been taken to hospital after being shot in the leg, but his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident. (ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)
Police said they responded to reports of a male armed with a knife running onto Main North Road at Elizabeth East about 11am.
Acting Assistant Commissioner David O’Donovan said SA Police was supporting the injured officer, and praised the actions of first responders.
“During the confrontation a police officer was stabbed in the neck,” he said.
“We are providing appropriate support for her colleagues and of course for her family.
“She is currently receiving treatment … [and] her injuries are considered serious.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner David O’Donovan says the officer has serious injuries. (ABC News: Daniel Taylor)
Police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward but said there was no ongoing risk to the public.
“The response by police this morning was a swift response and they responded to what was clearly an evolving and very rapidly dangerous situation,” the acting assistant commissioner said.
“Their actions today were in response to an immediate threat posed by an armed individual.”
Emergency services were called to the scene about 11am. (ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)
Emergency services have maintained a large presence at the scene and closed a section of Main North Road, which has been blocked to southbound traffic from Midway Road.
‘Really frightening’, local says
At least a dozen police cars have been present at the site, and an area has been cordoned off with tape stretching from the centre of the road to a nature reserve next to the Playford City Tennis Centre.
Acting Assistant Commissioner O’Donovan said Major Crime and internal investigators were examining the circumstances of the incident.
Main North Road has been partially blocked amid a major police operation. (ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)
He said the exact sequence of events would form part of that investigation, and that police would be speaking to the suspect “at the earliest opportunity”.
“He has [allegedly] stabbed a police officer so he will be facing some very serious charges,” the acting assistant commissioner said.
“The circumstances will be the subject of that investigation.”
Local resident Beverley Lock said she became aware of the incident after her son returned from a walk with their dog.
“There were about 30 police cars,” she said.
“We were just alarmed by the number of police cars and lights and sirens going. It was very concerning.”
Local resident Beverley Lock says it was frightening to discover what had happened. (ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)
She said it was also “really frightening” to discover an officer had been stabbed.
“My heart goes out to the police officer just trying to do their job,” she said.
“Nobody’s life should be at risk for trying to help their community, so my heart is out there for the police officer and for the police officer’s family.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have dash cam footage has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Firefighters assisted police at the scene, and a Metropolitan Fire Service incident command vehicle and truck also attended.
Police said they would reopen the road as soon as possible.
