A DANGEROUS thug who tried to attack a police officer with a Samurai sword has been jailed for 11 years.

Preston Crown Court heard when police raided the Blackburn home of Irfaan Ismael they also found a bullet for a handgun.

Police had been called to Buncer Lane in Blackburn at around 2.25pm on March 7 following reports a man had been seen with a sword.

PC Stuart Garnett attended the scene and saw 30-year-old Ismael and asked him to stop.

However Ismael, of Warrington Street, Blackburn, turned and drew the sword from his waist, lunging at PC Garnett.

PC Garnett attempted to subdue the 30-year-old with a Taser but failed, with Ismael chasing the officer down the street.

After a second attempt to stun him failed, PC Garnett subdued Ismael at the third attempt using the Taser.

He was then detained by PC Garnett with help from the public.

Following investigation Ismael was charged with affray, attempted wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

He was also charged with possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate after a bullet was found at his home.

Ismael pleaded guilty to affray, possessing an offensive weapon and possessing ammunition, but contested the attempted wounding charge.

Following a trial earlier this year, he was convicted of all offences.

Judge Mark Brown, the Recorder of Preston, praised the officer’s courage and professionalism.

Speaking after the case, Det Con Paul Fitzer said: “The police are here to help people but the sad fact is we are often prevented from doing so by people who seek to physically attack us.

“Irfaan Ismael’s actions were shocking, blatant and I believe premeditated.

“He lunged at the officer using the sword and made several attempts to cause him serious harm.

“It was only the quick-thinking actions of the constable which prevented him from being seriously injured.

“During his summing up, the judge praised the officer’s courage and professionalism.

“We must also thank several members of the public who helped the officer in detaining Ismael, during what was no doubt a frightening and distressing incident to witness.

“Ismael is clearly a dangerous individual and we welcome today’s sentence.”

Lancashire police federation chairman Rachel Hanley said: “Police officers attend sometimes incidents where they don’t the true nature of the dangers they are facing until they arrive. It is massively important we have got the right number of staff back up available with the right equipment.

“Clearly in this case the officer’s brave and heroic actions have resulted in this defendant being detained. We are pleased with the sentence the Judge has passed in this case.”