A police officer was spotted bleeding outside a London railway station after they were stabbed.

One witness, who uses the Twitter account @stanikzai_19, said they saw an officer "in blood" at the front of Ilford station in east London on Friday night (November 23).

The British Transport Police confirmed the stabbing and said a man had been arrested.

But they also appealed to the public for witnesses to come forward.

The force tweeted: "Police officer stabbed outside Ilford Railway Station, around 9.45pm last night (Friday November 23).

"Were you there? Did you witness the attack?

"Man has been arrested.

"Text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 - quote 659 of 23/11/2018."

More to follow.

Scroll down for the latest updates on this story.

Were you affected? Email liam.trim@reachplc about this or another local story to have your say.

UPDATE: Attack shows 'disturbing reality' of life for police officers

The officer who was stabbed is now recovering at home, British Transport Police have said.

Their full updated statement:

The BTP Police Officer, who was attacked with a knife last night (Friday 23 November 2018), at Ilford Railway Station, is now recovering at home.

Chief Constable Paul Crowther, who has been in touch with the officer, said:

“This is an example of the disturbing reality our officers face every day whilst going about their duties. We all here at BTP wish him all the very best for his recovery and would like to thank the public for their many get well messages and support.

“I know this will have had an impact on his family, friends and colleagues. The safety of our officers is extremely important to us and I’m in discussions with my senior team to see what needs to be done to ensure these types of incidents are kept to an absolute minimum.”

A man has been arrested.

Police are asking that anyone who was at Ilford Railway Station at around 9.45pm last night (Friday 23 November 2018) and saw anything of the incident, to please get in touch.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information should contact BTP by sending a text to 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 - quoting reference 659 of 23/11/2018.

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What we know for sure so far

  • At 9.45pm on Friday (November 23) a British Transport Police officer was approached outside Ilford station while on duty
  • They were then attacked with a knife
  • The London Ambulance Service took the officer to hospital
  • The officer - a male- is being treated for his injuries
  • They are not thought to be life-threatening
  • A man has been arrested
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What should you do if you can help the police?

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information can contact BTP by sending a text to 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 - quoting reference 659 of 23/11/2018.

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Praise for police after witness saw officer 'in blood'

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Reports about officer's injuries

Reports suggest the police officer’s injuries are not life-threatening

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Did you witness the attack?

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The main entrance of the station was closed last night after the attack

We will bring you the latest on accessing the station as soon as we can.

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