A 22-year-old man has been charged with a slew of offences following the stabbing of a police officer at Cairns Central Shopping Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

The 50-year-old male senior constable suffered serious wounds after being stabbed once in the neck and twice in the stomach, before being rushed to Cairns Hospital where he is remains in a stable condition.

A police spokesperson said the alleged incident occurred while police were conducting foot patrols at the popular shopping centre on McLeod Street in Cairns at around 2.20pm.

“As an officer engaged with the man and while in conversation, he allegedly stabbed the 50-year-old senior constable in the stomach, chest and neck before leaving the scene,” the spokesperson said.

The alleged attacker was located by police at a nearby address a short time later where he was arrested and taken to hospital for further assessment.

“As a result of investigations, a 22-year-old Manunda man has been charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife in a public place, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of tainted property.

“He is expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court today.

“Queensland Police has extended its full support and sympathy to the injured officer, his family and colleagues and will continue to monitor his recovery in hospital,” the spokesperson said.