Man arrested after repeatedly punching an off-duty police officer at Preston train station

The officer spotted the man acting suspiciously at the station's Leisure Lake Cycle Hub at 5pm yesterday and realised he was in the process of stealing a bike.

Despite the officer making his presence known to the man, he was attacked after he tried to arrest the suspect.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: "The officer identified himself and challenged the male, after which a violent struggle ensued as he arrested the suspect. The suspect repeatedly punched the officer and threatened to stab him, but the officer held on to him as they rolled in the road with cars driving by. Three members of public did come and assist."

The off-duty officer sustained minor injuries during the incident. A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Because the officer was not on-duty when the incident started he did not have any body armour or protection on. He suffered some grazes and bruises following the incident."

The male was arrested and has been charged with three counts of cycle theft, going equipped for theft, resisting arrest, assault on an emergency worker and threatening behaviour.

He was remanded in custody for court this morning.