Stabbed Sussex policeman Gary Thompson broke down in tears today as he relived his brush with death.

The PC, who was stabbed twice in the back in the back with an 8in kitchen knife, said from his hospital bed: "I am lucky to be alive."

PC Thompson, 35, and colleague PC John Gatland went to check out reports of a break-in at flats in Southwick just before 1am on Friday.

As they arrived at the flats in Rock Close, Whiterock Place, three men were leaving. The officers challenged the suspects and a violent struggle followed.

One of the men plunged a knife into PC Thompson's back, slicing into one of his kidneys. The blade missed an artery by millimetres.

PC Thompson, who is married with young children, said: "We shouted something like, 'Stop, police' but they ran off in all directions. I grabbed one of them by the shoulders and was struggling with him when I felt punches in the back.

"One of them felt a bit strange but I didn't realise that I had been stabbed.

"I turned round as he left me and saw that John was struggling on the ground with another man. I thought that I had to warn him because John didn't know that he had a knife."

The officer collapsed in a pool of blood at the entrance to the flats.

PC Gatland, 49, called for backup and medical help.

Both men have been praised for their bravery by senior officers.

Detectives launched Operation Pitman to catch the three suspects, who they have described as "violent and dangerous".

The knife used in the attack has still not been recovered.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 6070999.