Homeless man saves Washington DC police officer stabbed in the head

The man says he stepped in because he was angry, adding: "They're my cops. This is my city and I don't want you stabbing them." 

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John Burrows overpowered the assailant, possibly saving the police officer's life
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A homeless man has said he feels like a "little hero" after intervening to save a police officer who was being stabbed in the head in Washington DC.

The officer was taken to hospital after being attacked by another homeless man with scissors on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Police Department has thanked John Burrows for stepping in.

"It's very, very kind - very heroic," chief of police Peter Newsham said in a news conference.

A 61-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill an officer.

It is not known what the motive was for the attack but it is not thought to be linked to the anti-racism protests which have been taking place in the downtown area of the capital for the past few weeks.

Mr Burrows told NBC's News4 he had previously met the Second District officer and was just doing the right thing.

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"I grabbed the guy's arm and me and the cop together got him under control so he couldn't stab him no more. He got arrested, the cop went to the hospital and I guess I'm like a little hero," he said.

"I was really mad at the guy, for just stabbing him for no reason. That made me mad," he added.

"They're my cops. This is my city and I don't want you stabbing them."

A fundraiser set up for Mr Burrows by the DC Department of Human Services has raised almost $10,000 (£8,000).