A PCSO from Cheshire police was ambushed by a gang who attempted to stab him in the face.

The male officer was on patrol in the Palacefields area of Runcorn at about 5.10pm on Thursday (November 23) when the horrifying attack unfolded.

A man approached him to alert him about an incident in a nearby wooded area, but when he headed into the woods between Sparrowhawk Close and Cunliffe Close he saw a group of three men who appeared to be fighting.

As the PCSO walked towards the group, he was attacked from behind by an unknown man who tried to stab him in the face with a knife.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Constabulary told our sister site the Liverpool Echo: “Thankfully, the officer was able to fight off his attacker and all of the men then fled the scene in the direction of Sparrowhawk Close.

“Our officer was taken to Halton District General Hospital where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.

“The attacker and the men involved in the fight, are all described as being white men wearing dark clothing. One of the suspects was also described as wearing a grey tracksuit.”

Detective Inspector Clare Coleman said: “This was a totally unprovoked attack on a Police Community Support Officer who was trying to protect our local community.

“The actions of his attacker are simply despicable and I would urge the local community to come together and help us to trace the person responsible so they can be brought to justice.

“While the officer was able to fend off his attacker, he has sustained a number of superficial wounds to his hands and understandably he has also been left extremely shaken as a result of his ordeal.

“I would urge anyone with any information in relation to this incident, no matter how small, to contact the team here at Runcorn.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 668 of 23/11/2017. Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.