An off-duty police officer was taken to hospital after he was stabbed while trying to foil a knife robbery in Luton.

Bedfordshire Police were called to the scene, just off Luton Point, on George Street, at around 13:10 GMT on Saturday.

Two men believed to be in their 20s stole a moped while holding a large knife or machete at the rider before stabbing the policeman who tried to intervene.

The Metropolitan Police officer has been described as “heroic” by his colleagues in Bedfordshire. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Inspector Jon Stow, from Luton CID, called it an “unprovoked attack” and said police would maintain a high-visibility presence in the town center following the incident.

Acting Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic said: “Wanted violence of this level is absolutely appalling and has no place on the streets of our county.

“Thankfully, the officer is expected to make a full recovery, although this story could have been very different.

“I speak on behalf of the force and the public at large and thank him for his bravery and selflessness in the line of duty. His actions were nothing short of heroic.”

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: “This is one of many examples of police officers putting themselves at risk in the public interest and to protect members of the public. Selfless interventions like this and effective policing are essential to making Bedfordshire’s streets safer.

“Even when he was off duty, this Met officer was prepared to step into danger to protect others. On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, I thank him for his brave action and wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

One of the suspects was wearing a black jacket and pants, while the other was wearing a dark jacket and gray sweatpants with a white stripe down the side.

PC Jon Henry was fatally stabbed in the same street in 2007.