Tearthe flatsdown

The 23-year-old has been released while the other officer remains in a ward awaiting surgery.

A 25-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the incident and was due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court yesterday.

One local eye-witness described the scene at Greenfield Drive as “chaos”.

He said: “There were so many cops there it was unreal, at least five cars and four vans.

“Nobody really knew what was going on but then ambulances began to arrive and streets were taped off. It was quite frightening.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Wishaw Press: “I’ve had enough of the constant police presence here.

“I don’t know what was happening on Sunday but there’s always problems and lots of anti-social behaviour.

“This has been going on for far too long.

“Earlier in the day there were three separate police call-outs to these flats.

“There is drug misuse and anti-social behaviour every single day. The police are never away.

“The council are just not interested in helping the decent people move, they won’t listen to us.”

Chief Inspector Mark Leonard, local area commander, praised the injured officers after Sunday’s incident.

He said: “Both were simply doing their job and suddenly found themselves dealing with an incident that was completely unexpected.

“Every police officer knows the circumstances of every incident they attend could change quickly and they are well trained to deal with this. However the reality of the situation requires a great amount of alertness, professionalism and bravery. I would like to praise them for that. I have spoken to both officers to wish them a speedy recovery.”