A PAIR of hero police officers saved two other people's lives after being allegedly stabbed in Greenock.

Police constables Kenny MacKenzie, 43, and Laura Sayer, 39, suffered serious injuries during an incident at Gateside Gardens on Friday June 1 and have been praised for their bravery.

They were rushed to hospital and both had to undergo surgery.

Chief Superintendent Gordon Crossan who personally visited the officers in hospital, told the Telegraph: "They are heroes.

"I think it is important to realise the officers who were injured as part of the assault, the heroics of what they did saved the lives of two other people."

Speaking at a meeting of the local fire and police scrutiny board, the senior officer also explained the extent of the injuries suffered by his officers.

Chief Superintendent Crossan said: "Both underwent surgical procedures, at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, for stab wounds they received.

"Kenny received an operation on his neck and Laura had surgery to a wound on her arm."

He confirmed both officers were now back at home and recovering from the physical and psychological effects of the assault.

He said: "Laura has six months service, she is a well respected and loyal police team member.

"She speaks very maturely of what has happened.

"Kenny has been 12 years in the force and has a lot more experience and is well known in the community and among colleagues."

He said they both officers would be provided with the support of their police family.

An online appeal page - visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/k-division-injured-officers? - has been set up to raise £3,000 towards a family holiday for each officer and the appeal is already nearing its target.

Chief Superintendent Crossan says he wants to thank everyone for their support and concern following the incident.

He added: "I want to thank staff at both hospitals, for the messages given through social media, cards, and donations to the Justgiving page.

"I am proud of all our officers in the team for the way they responded that day."

A 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

William Taylor is in custody after a hearing was held in private at Greenock Sheriff Court last Monday.

He has been remanded in custody and the matter is due to call at the court again this week.