A BOLTON detective needed stitches to an arm wound after being attacked by a youth he caught trying to break into a house in Great Lever last night.

Det Con Derek Meace was slashed across the arm after he had chased and caught the suspect. The thug then fled.

The incident happened when the police officer was on patrol in a CID car on Crescent Road, Great Lever, at 7.40pm. He spotted the man emerging from the back of a house.

The officer chased the youth on foot eventually catching hold of him on Weston Street.

But the thug then produced a weapon and slashed out at the police officer catching DC Meace on his arm. The officer was forced to let the crook go.

Det Con Meace needed stitches to his wound. Today he was off duty still recovering.

Police were today seeking witnesses to the incident.

Det Chief Insp Frank Raggett, of Bolton CID, said: "It is obviously cause for some concern that this is an armed burglar who is prepared to attack police officers."

The youth is described as aged between 17 and 20 years, about 6ft, with fair hair and was wearing a dark bubble jacket.

Anyone able to help police track the youth down should telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Bolton Police 0161 872 5050.

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