53-year-old man charged with attempted murder after police officer stabbed at train station

A man in his 50s has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing a police officer.

Russel Smith, 53, was arrested after a British Transport Police officer was seriously assaulted while on duty at Preston station, a spokesman said.

The incident occurred as the Lancashire town hosted festival-goers for Radio 2 in the park last weekend.

A statement said: “On 7 September at around 9.30pm, a British Transport Police officer was seriously assaulted while on duty.”

“Paramedics also attended the scene and the officer was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound. Fortunately, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.”

Pictures from Saturday evening showed a discarded and blood-stained police uniform in the station

The incident led to an entrance to the station being closed as the Lancashire town hosted festival-goers at Radio 2 in the Park over the weekend

The statement added that Smith, of Shakespeare Road, Preston, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a sharp object.

An earlier comment said a railway employee also suffered minor injuries as a result of the incident.

The Fishergate entrance to Preston railway station was closed and a nearby road was also closed to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic elsewhere.

Images from Saturday evening showed an increased police presence in the hours following the incident and a discarded police uniform in the station foyer.

Smith is due to appear at Preston Magistrates Court today.