Officer critical after multiple stabbing in London
A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer has been left in a critical condition after being stabbed a number of times following an incident in Leyton, East London, in the early hours of this morning (August 8).
Shortly after midnight uniformed officers in a marked police car signalled for a van to stop at the Coopers Lane junction with Leyton High Road. The vehicle failed to stop for police and made off with the officers giving pursuit until it stopped a short time later.
Officers got out of the police car to speak to the driver, a man in his fifties. The man produced a machete and the male officer was stabbed a number of times before managing to draw his Taser which he used to subdue the suspect. The other officer at the scene promptly arrested the man.
The injured officer was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service. His condition is believed to be critical but stable. His next of kin have been informed.
The driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of GBH and taken to an east London police station for questioning. He did not require hospital treatment.
Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident and there are no other reported injuries. A MPS statement said that at this stage, there is nothing to suggest the incident is terrorist related.
Inspector Julia James from North East Command Unit said: “This was a sudden and brutal attack on a uniformed officer carrying out their duties. What began as a routine vehicle stop has transformed very quickly and unexpectedly into an unprovoked attack with a weapon.
“Our thoughts are with the injured officer and his family and we wish him a full recovery. I would like to commend his bravery and resilience especially as he managed to draw a taser, despite being repeatedly stabbed, to prevent the suspect harming anyone else and to protect himself from further injury.
“My colleagues came to work that evening to protect and serve the community. Events such as this highlight the courageous work that police do every day, sometimes having to confront violent and dangerous individuals, who are determined to do them harm.
“This incident highlights the very real risk that police officers can be confronted with on a daily basis and the courage and professionalism officers demonstrate when doing their job.”
