The 22-year-old and the 50-year-old senior constable, who was on foot patrol at Cairns Central, started having a conversation on McLeod St, Cairns, about 2.20pm on Tuesday.

The man then allegedly stabbed the officer multiple times before running away.

The officer was taken to hospital, where he is in a stable condition.

The man was arrested by other officers at a Bungalow property a short time later and taken to hospital under guard for an assessment.

The 22-year-old Manunda man has been charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, possessing a knife in a public place, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing tainted property.

He’s expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The officer was by himself and had a partner in constant contact via radio, and the attack was recorded on body-worn video.

“Queensland Police has extended its full support and sympathy to the injured officer, his family and colleagues and will continue to monitor his recovery in hospital,” police said on Wednesday.

Superintendent Chris Hodgman stressed on Tuesday the stabbing was a random incident rather than pre-planned attack.