Man 'armed with two knives' tasered after trying stab female police officer

23 October 2019, 13:29

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly tried to stab a female police officer at least twice in the stomach.

Officers were called to a disturbance in Lynette Avenue in Clapham, south west London, on Tuesday night.

They spoke to a 35-year-old man who tried to flee the scene.

As the female officer tried to stop him, the man produced two knives and attempted to stab her at least twice in the stomach.

But the brave officer Tasered him before chasing him with colleagues.

He was arrested at nearby Clapham Common on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon and a public order offence.

He remains in custody at a south London police station.

Work continues to locate the knives that the man was seen in possession of and discarded between Lynette Avenue and Clapham Common.

The officer did not require hospital treatment.

Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger of the Central South Command Unit said: “This was a truly shocking incident that could have easily had devastating consequences and I have no doubt that the intentions of this man were to seriously harm one of our colleagues.

“It is a testament to her bravery that, despite the attack, this officer – along with her colleagues – remained focused in detaining and disarming a dangerous man.

“She then completed her shift and, having spoken to her, she’ll be back helping keep the streets of south London safe once again today.

“Importantly, it also demonstrates how effective, and unfortunately necessary, a police officer’s protective equipment is as this has potentially saved her life.”