A police officer has been airlifted to hospital with "life changing" injuries and an attempted murder investigation launched.

The incident happened this morning as police were called to Trevenson Road in Newquay at around 10.20am, following reports of a male behaving aggressively.

A police spokesperson said: "Whilst at the scene an officer has been assaulted and sustained a number of burns to his arms and legs.

"The officer has severe injuries but they are not currently believed to be life-threatening.

"He has been taken to Treliske Hospital by air ambulance and his next of kin have been informed."

A 30-year-old man from Newquay has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a police officer and remains in police custody at this time.

Emergency services remain at the scene this lunchtime.

Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith has tweeted about what happened, describing it as a "very serious incident" and adding: "My thoughts are with our officer."

He described the injuries sustained by the police officer as "life changing."

He went on to add: "Male arrested for attempted murder of officer."