East London

The PC was attacked as he tried to stop a van in Leyton early on Thursday. He managed to Taser his assailant while being stabbed in the head and body.

He suffered multiple injuries but the Met Police says he will recover.

Muhammed Rodwan, 56, from Luton, is due to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Two uniformed officers tried to stop the van at the junction of Coopers Lane and Leyton High Road, the Met said.

The injured PC, 28, is a patrol officer who has been with the force for about 10 years.

The blaze took hold from the ground floor to the sixth floor of the flats in De Pass Gardens, Barking, at about 3.30pm (UK time), forcing residents to evacuate.

About 100 firefighters worked for more than two hours to subdue the fire, which is now extinguished. The cause is being investigated.

Two people have been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Nearby flats have also been evacuated and the Met has put road closures in place.

Difficulties with water supply, resident says