15-year-olds appear in court after policewoman is stabbed

Two 15-year-old youths have appeared in court in connection with the stabbing of a female police officer in central London.

Police officers witnessed two males armed with knives allegedly attempting to rob a grocery store in Westminster on Sunday.

As they challenged the pair, police said the female officer received a stab wound to the abdomen, but continued to chase the suspects.

Two suspects were detained a short time later with the assistance of firearms officers.

The officer was taken to hospital but her injuries are not believed to be lifethreatening.

One 15-year-old from Barking in east London faces charges including grievous bodily harm against a police officer and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

The other youth, from Hampshire, faces charges including assault by beating of an emergency worker and threatening a person with a blade.