A WOMAN holding a knife in Malvern had to be tasered by a police officer after she attempted to hurt herself.

Officers were called out at around 1.30pm today after reports of a woman walking through traffic towards the railway station.

The woman was carrying a knife and threatening to hurt herself, making her way onto the train tracks at the station.

After attempts to talk to her failed, she attempted to injure herself, at which point she was tasered by an officer.

Inspector Alex Warner from Malvern SNT said: "At around 1.30pm today (Tuesday 6 April) officers were called due to concern for a woman’s safety in Malvern as she made her way through traffic on foot, towards the railway station.

"The woman, who was carrying a knife and threatening to harm herself, made her way onto the train tracks at the station.

"Officers attempted to talk to the woman who was clearly in distress, however the woman then attempted to injure herself at which point the officer on the platform tasered her in order to prevent serious injury.

"Paramedics arrived at the station and treated the woman for injuries caused by the knife and has been taken to hospital for further treatment."