Leyton machete attack: PC Stuart Outten's family 'overwhelmed'

PC Stuart Outten is in a serious but stable condition in hospital

The family of a police officer who was attacked with a machete say they are "overwhelmed" by messages of support.

PC Stuart Outten, 28, was stabbed as he tried to stop a van suspected of having no insurance in Leyton, east London, in the early hours of Thursday.

The Met Police officer Tasered his assailant despite receiving multiple stab wounds to his head and body.

Muhammad Rodwan, 56, of Luton, has appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court charged with attempted murder.

Mr Rodwan, who is British and of no fixed address, is also charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on 6 September.

The court heard PC Outten was in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Muhammad Rodwan appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court

PC Outten, who has about a decade of police experience, suffered a wound to the side of his head which required stitches and needed an operation to a hand injury caused while trying to fend off the attack.

His family said they were "overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received from the public, his colleagues and the wider policing family".

"We are incredibly proud of the bravery Stuart showed during the incident," they added.

"His injuries could have been fatal and we are thankful that he is stable and recovering in hospital with his loved ones around him."

His family said PC Outten joined the Met straight from school and "loves being a police officer and protecting the public".

The van stopped by police was taken away for forensic examination