The story of a policeman who was stabbed when struggling with a suspect has attracted wide attention in east China's Jiangsu Province.

The 57-year-old officer, Zhao Zhuzhi, was badly hurt on Sunday by a man apparently planning to rob customers at an entertainment venue. The man is alleged to have just stabbed a waitress there to death. Zhao was stationed at the Zhanqian Police Station in the city of Changzhou,

Sun Haifeng, the 25-year-old suspect, from Lianshui county in Huaiyin , also in Jiangsu, is reported to have been trying to rob customers in the Huayun Relaxation and Entertainment Centre in Changzhou.

So said Zhai Xiaoping, dean of the publicity department with the Changzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Sun enjoyed drinking and KTV at the centre for hours that afternoon, but refused to pay, the police said.

During the ensuing argument, a waitress surnamed Liu is said to have found two knives hidden in Sun's bag.

Liu cried out with fear and Sun is alleged to have stabbed her to death and hurt several other people who tried to stop him.

Zhao, passing by the centre, heard shouts and tried to stop the suspect.

However, the younger man got the upper hand against Zhao during the fight and is alleged to have stabbed the policeman several times.

Witness Li Mei said Zhao was covered with blood but still tried to hold on to his suspect, reported local newspaper the Yangtze Evening Post.

"Unable to stand up straight, Zhao then arranged for people on the scene to block the only exit with tables and chairs, and corner the man on a balcony. Zhao was so cool-minded and brave," said Li.

When three other policemen arrived, they arrested the suspect and Zhao was sent to the Changzhou No 1 People's Hospital. Yesterday he was in a coma.

According to a doctor called Zhan, Zhao's lung and pericardium were penetrated and his situation remained critical.

"He always gave up his holidays and weekends voluntarily and tried his best to help people," said Xu Guozhong, the head of Zhanqian Police Station.

"Having spent almost 20 years guarding the area, the shopkeepers and local residents are all very familiar with him and respect him."

Xu said hundreds of people had called the station about Zhao and many said they would visit him in hospital.

"Zhao's colleagues were also moved by his heroic deeds.

"The police have to endure dangerous work," added Zhai Xiaoping.

Statistics from the Ministry of Public Security show that 409 police officers died and another 4,078 were injured last year.

(China Daily August 23, 2006)