A man accused of trying to kill an undercover police officer has appeared in court. 

The un-named officer was stabbed ten times in total, including six wounds to his chest.

He also suffered injuries to his stomach as well as cuts to his arm and feet in the attack outside his home in Rayleigh on Wednesday night. 

The victim, an undercover Essex Police officer, was rushed to hospital for treatment and was in a stable but serious condition last night.

John McCartney, 39, of Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court this morning.

The blond bespectacled defendant appeared in the dock wearing a red jumper and flanked by two security guards but did not enter any pleas to the two charges.

Members of McCartney’s family sat at the back of courtroom three for the 11-minute hearing.

Lesley Chipps, prosecuting, told the court the officer was the victim of a “frenzied” attack outside his home whilst his wife and two young children were home.

The court heard during an altercation the officer was stabbed a total of ten times to various parts of his body, including six wounds to the centre of his chest and one which exposed his bowel.

He also received a half-inch injury to his upper arm as well as injuries to his feet.

The victim was rushed to hospital with life threatening injuries although he is now in a stable condition according to police.

Chair of the Bench, Ian Currie, refused bail and the case will come before Basildon Crown Court next month.

McCartney, who had waved to his family as he entered the dock, left the courtroom in handcuffs.