A man has been found guilty of trying to attack a police officer with a machete outside his home in Walmer.

Michael Alan Mankelow, 58, of Downs Road, Walmer, was found guilty of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday.

The court heard how PC Matthew Bilney and DC Gemma Keeley visited Mankelow at his home address just after 10am on February 4 as part of a separate investigation.

But an enraged Mankelow slammed his front door in their faces, refusing to cooperate. As the officers headed back to their unmarked patrol car, Mankelow returned brandishing a machete and making threats to them. He then attacked their patrol car, with PC Bilney inside, smashing several windows and doors as he tried to reach the officer.

As PC Bilney attempted to start the vehicle, Mankelow smashed through the windscreen with the machete, the blade cutting into the steering wheel directly in front of PC Bilney’s face.

Mankelow’s frenzied attack only came to a stop when the officers managed to start their car and drive to safety. Mankelow was arrested moments later as other officers responding to PC Bilney’s emergency call arrived.

Detective Inspector Andy Bidmead said: "This was a terrifying attack on a police officer going about his duties to protect and serve the people of Kent. PC Bilney was very understandably very shaken after the incident and was luckily not to have been seriously injured or worse.

"We’re satisfied the court has found Mankelow guilty. He’s a dangerous man and he’s facing a considerable time in prison."

Mankelow is due to be sentenced on a date yet to be confirmed in September.

* For full story read the East Kent Mercury on Thursday.