THREE people have been arrested after two police officers were injured in the Black Country this morning (Wednesday July 21).

The two officers suffered slash injuries during an incident in West Bromwich and they were taken to hospital.

Police say the officers were attacked when they approached two people acting suspiciously just before 11.30am.

An ambulance, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with medics on board attended the incident and a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said two male police officers were given treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital by ambulance for further checks.

Two men, aged 41 and 37, and a 31-year-old woman have since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Chief Constable of the West Midlands David Thompson said he was "deeply concerned" by the incident, although the injured police officers were not thought to have been seriously hurt.

Chief Superintendent Ian Green, from Sandwell Police, said: “Fortunately both officers received minor injuries but are understandably shaken by today’s incident as I’m sure other officers and staff are, as well as our communities.

“We had special powers authorised to carry out additional patrols in West Bromwich town centre as a result of an increase in violence in recent days.

“We continue to keep doing all we can to reassure our communities and stop people who think it’s acceptable to carry weapons, or use them."

Increased patrols and Section 60 powers giving officers extra powers to carry out additional stop checks will continue until 10pm tonight.

CCTV is now being trawled and witnesses spoken to and Chief Supt Green added: “We will support our colleagues throughout their recovery - and others affected by what has happened this morning - and the pending investigation.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police via live chat on the force website or call 101.