The Home Secretary has commended a Croydon police officer who was stabbed repeatedly while trying to search a wanted man.

Police Constable Nigel Albuery, 34, was stabbed four times in the stomach while on a routine plain-clothed patrol in Broad Green on Thursday, May 19.

At a House of Commons debate on policing and crime, Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell said a review into police pay must reflect the risks now associated with policing the capital.

Responding to Mr Barwell’s statement regarding police risk compared to pay, Theresea May said: “I take this opportunity to commend PC Albuery, who suffered terrible injuries as result of which he is in a serious condition.

“He was doing the job he signed up to do, which is protecting the public and dealing with criminals.

“I pay tribute to him and to all the other officers who, day in and day out, go out to deal with instances and incidents that take place, not knowing whether they will be subject to the sort of attack to which PC Albuery was subject.”

Teenager Alastair Gregson, of Whitefield Avenue, Purley, was remanded in custody by Croydon Magistrates’ Court, accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The 18-year-old appeared at a preliminary hearing at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, June 2.