What began as a late-night trap to catch a serial house theft accused inside Aarey Colony spiralled into a violent blade attack on policemen after the suspect allegedly turned on officers trying to arrest him near Film City Gate No. 1 in Goregaon East.

Three policemen, including the officer leading the operation, suffered hand injuries during the scuffle before the accused was finally overpowered and arrested. Police said the accused — a habitual offender recently released from jail — was wanted in two recent house theft cases involving stolen gold ornaments.