Two Met Police officers stabbed in Leicester Square
They were attacked by a man at around 6am on Friday 16th September
Last updated 16th Sep 2022
Two police officers are in hospital after being stabbed in central London, the Metropolitan Police force has said.
Scotland Yard said "at t approximately 06:00hrs on Friday, 16 September officers were on patrol in the area of Leicester Square when they were made aware of a man in possession of a knife."
"Officers challenged the man and during attempts to detain him received stab injuries. Further officers rushed to the scene."
A young female police officer suffered a serious stab wound to her arm which may be life-changing, and a male officer was stabbed three times in the neck and once in the chest, but should make a full recovery.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said. "The injured officers, one male and one female, were taken to hospital for treatment; their injuries are not life threatening.
Both officers’ families have been informed.
During the arrest, Taser was discharged and the man, believed aged in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency services worker – he was taken to hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged into police custody.
While enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing, at this early stage it is not thought the incident is terror related.
The officers – both attached to the Met’s Central West Command Unit - were carrying out routine duties and were not part of the wider policing operation in place following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
Superintendent Justin Browne from the Central West Command Unit, responsible for policing Westminster, said:
“Every day, police officers got out on the streets to keep the communities of London safe. In doing so they often have to put themselves in the way of danger, putting their own welfare at risk in order to protect others.
“The actions of these two officers, and their colleagues, exemplifies the key value of courage that runs through the core of the Metropolitan Police and they will be offered all the support they need as they begin their recovery from this terrifying incident.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This attack on serving police officers in Soho overnight is utterly appalling. These brave officers were doing their duty and assisting the public at this momentous time for our country. My thoughts and prayers are with them, their loved ones and police colleagues following this disgraceful attack.
"Our police officers run towards danger to protect others and keep us safe and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
"I have spoken with the new Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley about this awful incident and remain in close contact. Attacks against the police will not be tolerated and any perpetrators will be caught and prosecuted. I urge anyone with information to come forward to ensure the perpetrator of this disgusting attack feels the full force of the law".