A policewoman has been stabbed in the head with a screwdriver in Kingsbury this afternoon.

The officer, who is based at Wembley Police Station, was attacked after she was called by the local mental health team to an address in Elmwood Crescent.

The policewoman and three of her colleagues were confronted with a 59-year-old man who barricaded himself in a room and refused to go to hospital.

She was stabbed with the screwdriver as they tried to detain the man for his own safety.

The officer was taken to hospital with a half inch cut to the forehead.

Her colleagues were also attacked but did not require hospital treatment.

The man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and detained under the Mental Health Act.

Chief Superintendent Mick Gallagher, Brent Borough commander, said: “Day in day out officers show courage and professionalism. Fortunately none of the officers were seriously injured, but this does demonstrate the potential risks they face. I’ve spoken to all the officers personally, who are ready to get back out policing tonight for the rest of their late turn.”