Police officers slashed

The officers first made inquiries at a hair salon

Two police officers were injured when they were attacked by a man armed with a knife in Brighton.

The officers had been called to a flat in Sillwood Place when they challenged the suspected burglar who then lashed out with a four-inch knife.

Pc Ian Upperton suffered a gash to the forehead and Pc Louise Tate was saved from serious injury when the knifeman slashed her glasses.

Both officers were wearing stab-proof vests when they attended the incident on Monday.

This man is not thought to be a danger to the public and it is hoped he will be traced soon

Ch Insp Lisa Pearcey

Chief Inspector Lisa Pearcey, who heads policing in Brighton city centre said: "This highlights the dangers that police officers face on the streets every day, when they are simply doing their job."

After the attack, the officers sprayed the man with pepper spray in an attempt to disable him.

They then retreated, shut the flat door and called for back up.

Stab-proof vests

But the man escaped through a window and despite a major manhunt involving dogs and a police helicopter he was not found.

Ms Pearcey said: "This man is not thought to be a danger to the public and it is hoped he will be traced soon."

The officers were led to the flat after making inquiries at a hair salon in Western Street, which had been broken into.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said stab-proof vests would be issued to all of the force's officers on patrol within 18 months.