HEROIC neighbours have been credited with saving a police officer's life after he was stabbed on his own doorstep in Rayleigh. 

Residents reported seeing neighbours jump in and offer first aid and stem the blood flow following the shocking incident on Wednesday night.

A man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder.

A neighbour, who lives in the same road and was walking her dog at the time, said: “I heard some shouting and then by the time I came to the area outside the man’s house, there was man maybe in his 50s and a younger guy who was about 18 or 19 were helping with the situation.

“They lived opposite and helped stem the bleeding with the victim’s wife. I honestly believe they helped save that man’s life – they deserve a medal. I think they lived opposite and haven’t been there long.

“The whole thing is totally shocking. I’ve lived here for about a year now and nothing like this has ever happened before.

“I really hope the man makes a full recovery.”

And the Rayleigh community has reacted in shock.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said: “This is an appalling crime and my thoughts are with the officer concerned and his family.

“Mercifully, while his injuries are serious, I have been told they are no longer life-threatening.

“Nevertheless, attacking a police officer on their own doorstep is absolutely wicked.”

A spokesman for Essex Police Federation said: “One of our colleagues was the victim of a attack.

“He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

“The thoughts of EPF and the officers we represent are with our colleague and his family."