‘Enough is enough’ says police chief, after Leyton machete attack
A police officer is in critical condition after being stabbed with a machete multiple times during a “frenzied, unprovoked and shocking attack” in east London late last night.
The injured officer managed to defend himself with a Taser, but not before being stabbed in the head and body “a number of times”, police said. He is in hospital, while the attacker – a man in his 50s – is facing charges of GBH. The entire incident was caught on camera.
During a press conference this morning detective chief superintendent Richard Tucker said the officer will have an operation at 10am on his hand and is “shaken up” but will recover.
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Tucker used the press conference to highlight the challenges police face “every single day”.
He added: “It is worrying, but we do it for a reason – to make London safer”.
This morning Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said: “This is horrific news. Police officers across London are out there every day at risk protecting the public – and sadly yet again a Metropolitan Police officer has suffered a severe injury on duty.
He added: “Enough is enough. Police officers should be going home at the end of their shifts. Not to hospital.
“The strongest punishments possible must be passed down to those who would attack police officers protecting the fabric of society.”
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: “I am utterly appalled by this sickening attack on a serving Met police officer. My thoughts are with him and his family, friends and colleagues.
“I am in contact with senior Met officers, and while an arrest has been made, we will use all the resources at our disposal to ensure the perpetrator of this heinous attack is brought to justice.
“The men and women who serve in our police force in London are the very best in the world, and their courage and dedication in putting themselves in danger to keep us safe continues to be an inspiration to all of us.
“This attack on a police officer, who showed tremendous bravery by continuing to defend others even whilst being attacked himself, is a reminder that our police risk their personal safety every time they go to work. They deserve our full support and gratitude.”