Feb. 21 update: Police say suspect in Delta stabbing was in relationship with victim

Delta police say they're investigating an assault and stabbing involving an off-duty cop in front of a private elementary school that occurred Wednesday afternoon.

Police say the officer witnessed an assault occurring between a man and a woman in front of Immaculate Conception School on 119th Street shortly after 3 p.m.

"Our off-duty officer intervened and during that process he and the female actually sustained stab wounds," said Delta police spokesperson Cris Leykauf.

A suspect is in police custody.

Leykauf says the man and woman involved in the original altercation know each other.

Both victims were transported to hospital and are listed in serious condition.

"Honestly I think a lot of people do try and step up and do the right thing," said Leykauf about the officer intervening. "Of course in those situations we don’t want anyone to be injured but unfortunately in this case our officer was injured."

Images on social media show a man who appears to have blood on his pants and is in handcuffs and with police surrounding him.

Ron Calliou says he arrived at the school to pick up his daughter and saw a man handcuffed outside.

"He was quite calm," he said. "There was quite a bit (of blood). There was some spatter on his shirt, but down his leg it basically covered his entire thigh area."

Calliou says parents and kids were told to go to the gym and wait for further instructions from police before they were eventually allowed to leave.

Several events at Immaculate Conception Parish were cancelled Wednesday night as police investigated.

By Thursday morning police had cleared the scene, but classes were cancelled.

The school principal says staff are working on a plan to make sure kids are supported when they return. The Parish has re-opened.

Delta police are expected to provide an update on the case Thursday afternoon.  

With files from CTV Vancouver's Steve Murray

This is a developing news article and will be updated Thursday afternoon.