Victoria police Const. Lane Douglas-Hunt was just holding the door to the 7-Eleven store open for a man, when he attacked her with a knife.

Her impeccable physical condition and recent training in defence against edged weapons helped save her life, her mother said.

B次元官网网址淗er fitness, her quickness is what saved her,B次元官网网址� Mary Douglas-Hunt said from Royal Jubilee Hospital Tuesday, while waiting for her daughter to pull through surgery on her left hand.

B次元官网网址淪he had just been through training with (knives) so she did everything textbook. So weB次元官网网址檙e very happy sheB次元官网网址檚 still with us.B次元官网网址�

Lane, 24, had been working on an investigation into the theft of a chocolate bar from a convenience store in the 800-block of Douglas Street.

The 57-year-old man, known to police, targeted Lane because of her police uniform, VicPD Chief Jamie Graham said.

The fight cut LaneB次元官网网址檚 neck and right hand, and did severe damage to her left hand as she blocked the knife blade from her body.

With her attacker pinning her to the ground, Lane had the clarity of mind to yell at nearby pedestrians to stay back, in consideration for their safety, said Sgt. Grant Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Saanich resident Blair Bater, 45, stopped his car and jumped out, asking Lane whether she needed help. She said yes.

B次元官网网址淚t was just reaction, I just seen somebody that needed my hand,B次元官网网址� Bater said.

Bater lunged at the attacker, then held him to the ground on his stomach, with BaterB次元官网网址檚 knee in the manB次元官网网址檚 back.

Soon, Rob Caunter, who works for the Downtown Victoria Business Association joined in, helping to restrain the man.

LaneB次元官网网址檚 hands were so badly damaged she couldnB次元官网网址檛 operate her handcuffs. She passed them to Bater, who cuffed the attacker.

Police officers arrived and took the suspect in custody. Guy Herve Seguin remains in custody, charged with attempted murder.