HEROIC police officers arrested a suspected knifeman after a woman was injured in a late night attack.

Police were called to York Road, in Southend, at about 12.30am yesterday following concerns for the safety of the woman.

After assessing the situation, officers called for back-up from colleagues, fearing that they would also be attacked.

Taser trained officers attended the scene, but were able to get the man to put the blade down using “tactical communication.”

The 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and was being questioned by officers at the time the Echo went to print.

PC James Brewer took to social media site Twitter to praise his colleagues.

He said: “A big thank you to PC Daryl Jones and PC McCormack who supported us during this incident. Excellent team work!”

He added that it was a domestic incident.

He said: “Taser support at domestic violence incident. One male arrested and now in custody. Female with minor injury to hand.”

Mr Brewer posted a photo of a black-handled kitchen knife seized by police after the incident, adding: “This was recovered by PC Daryl Jones. What would you be thinking?”

Sgt Kayleigh Webster, of Southend Police, also took to Twitter to praise the “bravery” of the officers involved.

She told the Echo: “It was domestic related and James attended as taser support, because he’s a taser trained officer, with PC Daryl Jones and a few others.

“After a bit of tactical communication he ended up arresting the male perpetrator who was in possession of the knife. The female victim had been attacked by the male, but sustained minor injuries.”

It is understood the man did not use the knife to threaten police and officers did not need to use their tasers during the arrest.

The knife was not taken from the man during the arrest but was found in the property afterwards and seized by police.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police were called to York Road in Southend at about 12.30am following reports that a man had a knife and had injured himself.

“A woman, aged in her 20s, also received minor injuries.

“Officers attended and arrested a 20-year-old man from Southend on suspicion of assault.

“He is currently in custody.”

Essex Police launched a campaign this week aimed at discouraging people from making nuisance 999 calls and wasting police time ahead of an anticipated summer spike in crime.

The force said domestic violence increases, particularly in Southend.

The campaign involved releasing recordings of time-wasting calls that prevent officers from responding quickly to genuine emergencies.