A Newham man accused of trying to kill two police officers checking bus tickets in the street appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday.

John Onyenaychi, aged 30, of Wise Road, Stratford, denied the charges and will stand trial this autumn. He remains in custody. The officers were in Ealing, west London, when they were attacked.

Onyenaychi allegedly stabbed PC Paul Madden, 23, and PCSO Piotr Dolata, 27, at a bus stop in New Broadway on December 15 last year.

The officers, who are based in Ealing borough, were on an operation checking bus fares when they were allegedly attacked.

Mr Dolata’s life was saved by a doctor who happened to be passing by during the attack at a bus stop.

Unemployed Onyenaychi is charged with two counts of attempted murder and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to a second PCSO, Steven Constable.

He is further accused of causing GBH with intent to Muhamad Memon four days earlier on December 11, last year and then robbery of a laptop and iPhone from Ahmed Niazmand on December 1.

Onyenachi appeared in court by video link from prison but refused to enter pleas to any of the charges.

The Recorder of London, Judge Peter Beaumont QC, ordered that not guilty pleas be entered on his behalf.

The defendant will stand trial on October 13 this year.