Three teenagers have been charged after an off-duty police officer was bitten and stabbed.

The 38-year-old man victim was stabbed in the arm and suffered human bite marks at Wanstead Flats in the afternoon of September 15.

He was attacked after he intervened when he saw people trying to start a fire on one of the football pitches.

Two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault.

Later a 13-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of being involved in the incident.

They had been bailed for the third time in early December and have now been charged.

A 15-year-old girl was charged with wounding with intent, arson, possession of a knife in a public place, possession of cannabis and grievous bodily harm.

A 14-year-old girl was charged with arson and actual bodily harm.

A 13-year-old boy was charged with arson and possession of a knife in a public place.

All three, who cannot be named, have been bailed to appear at Redbridge Youth Court on February 2.