A police officer is recovering at home after he was knifed four times by a gang of youths.

Nigel Albuery, who lives in Worthing but works for the Metropolitan Police, could need medical treatment for life after the attack.

PC Albuery said: “I'm feeling much better now. I'm just glad to be back home.

“Everyone has been so helpful. I can't really say anything more than that because this is an ongoing investigation and someone has been charged but I'm feeling a lot better.”

The father-of-three had stopped three youths while on an undercover patrol in West Croydon when he was attacked on Thursday.

He was stabbed in the stomach, damaging his kidneys.

He needed life-saving surgery at St George's Hospital in Tooting.

Officers from the Met made round trips to Worthing to take his wife, Michelle, to see him in hospital and check up on his recovery. Mr Albuery's grandmother, Vera Ide, said: “He's a bit croaky but he's getting better. “My sister lives in Chertsey and she saw the news alert and couldn't believe it was our Nigel.“She called me to tell me what had happened and we were very worried. “Everyone at the police have been so helpful, they have been coming down here every day to pick up Michelle and take her to see him in hospital. “We were all very worried but he seems to be on the mend now.”

Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts, the borough commander for Croydon, said he was "shocked and concerned" by the stabbing.

He said: "Our thoughts are with the officer and his family at this time, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Alastair Gregson, 18, from Purley has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He is also accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to an 18-year-old woman, possession of an offensive weapon - a paving slab - and intimidation of a witness.

He has been remanded in custody until a hearing at Croydon Crown Court on June 2.