A man has been charged over the incident in Newquay yesterday that left a police officer with "life changing" injuries.

The officer, a 51-year-old army veteran who joined the police 18 years ago, was airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital with serious burns.

He was later transferred to Derriford Hospital where police say he remains in a stable condition.

Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith later went on to describe the officer's injuries as "life changing".

Read next: Home Secretary declares attack on army veteran Newquay police officer 'appalling'

In an update this morning a police spokesperson said the officer was sat up and "in good spirits."

Last night the Newquay Police team passed on a message of thanks from the officer, saying: "The injured officer and his colleagues at Newquay Police and Newquay Response would like to sincerely thank all those who have sent kind messages of support.

"His condition is stable and he is receiving treatment." 

Blagovest Hadjigueorguiev, 30, of no fixed abode in Newquay, has now been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent against a police officer.

He is further charged with attempted GBH with intent against a second police officer who was uninjured.

He is due to appear at Truro Magistrates' Court today (Saturday, September 12).

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has also put out a statement about the incident, which saw the first crew from Newquay Fire Station arriving at the scene within two minutes from the call that a police officer's uniform was on fire. 

A spokesperson said: "Crews assisted with giving immediate first aid to the injured officer and were joined on scene by ambulance crews, Cornwall Air Ambulance and a number of police officers.

"Due to the severity of the incident, we have informed Cornwall's Chief Fire Officer and the Duty National Fire Officer based in Liverpool.

"A fire investigation officer has also attended the incident."