Man charged with trying to murder two police officers

Declan Diedrick to appear in court on Monday

Sunday 31 December 2023 11:06 EST

One of the officers needed hospital treatment but has since been discharged (PA)

A man has been charged with attempted murder after two female police officers were attacked.

One officer was admitted to hospital after suffering a wound to her head but has since been discharged, Essex Police said.

The second officer did not need hospital treatment.

Police were called to Hull Grove, Harlow, to concerns for the welfare of a man just after 5.45pm on Friday.

Declan Diedrick, 23, was later arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder and one of possession of a knife, the force said.

Thankfully both officers continue to recover from this harrowing incident on Friday evening

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper

“Officers arrived and engaged with a man at the scene who was making threats whilst armed with a knife,” Essex Police said.

Both women are said to be receiving support from peers and senior officers.

Diedrick was taken to hospital for treatment before being questioned by officers from Harlow CID.

He will appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper said: “Thankfully both officers continue to recover from this harrowing incident on Friday evening.

“Their welfare remains paramount and they will be given support from the force for as long as they feel they need it.

“We’ve been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service to charge Mr Diedrick and as such it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”