The police force has called on those who carried out the robbery, in which an off-duty police officer was stabbed, to surrender themselves to a police station.

The Metropolitan Police officer was trying to stop a robbery in Luton involving two men who stole a moped after swinging a large knife or machete at the driver.

The stabbing, which saw the officer taken to hospital, happened outside Luton Point on George Street at around 1.10pm GMT on Saturday.

Bedfordshire Police have released photographs of people they would like to speak to. The report also stated that the men fled the scene, one on his motorcycle and the other on the victim’s stolen motorcycle.

Det Insp Caeva Taylor said both investigations into the robbery and stabbing were a priority.

“There are a number of witnesses to the incident and we have released the CCTV footage in the hope that someone can recognize the people or vehicles in the photograph and provide information.

“We are particularly interested in speaking to a female witness who spoke to the off-duty police officer immediately after the incident and encouraged him to contact us immediately.

“Finally, we ask those responsible to surrender themselves to the nearest police station.”

Police said the men fled the scene, one on his motorcycle and the other on the victim’s stolen motorcycle.

The off-duty officer was taken to the hospital, treated for injuries to his arms and chest, and is expected to make a full recovery, police said.