Police officer stabbed in stomach during attempted Westminster robbery
4 October 2020, 18:15 | Updated: 4 October 2020, 19:28
A police officer has been stabbed after attempting to stop an attempted robbery in Westminster, the Metropolitan Police has said.
The female officer is understood to have intervened at a suspected attempted robbery in central London on Sunday afternoon.
Two police officers were in Chapter Street at around 3.45pm when they saw two men armed with knives who appeared to be robbing a grocery store.
The shopkeeper managed to push the suspects out of the store, before the two officers tried to detain them, which is when a female officer was stabbed in the stomach.
She continued to chase the suspects along Vauxhall Bridge Road.
Chief Inspector Simon Brooke said: “This shows precisely the kind of danger officers face every single day as they work to keep the public safe.
“For this officer to be stabbed on duty is unacceptable but, fortunately, she does not appear to be seriously injured.
“I applaud her bravery in responding to this call. This courage is typical of Met officers as they go about their duties.”
Metropolitan Police Officer stabbed after attempted robbery in Westminster. We wish our injured colleague well. She is the best of the best. Absolutely incredible bravery - despite being stabbed she still pursued the attackers. https://t.co/M33v03XyUc
— Met Police Federation (@MPFed) October 4, 2020
The officer was taken to hospital and the force confirmed that her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The suspects were detained a shortly after the incident with the help of firearms officers
Reacting to the incident, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “My thoughts and prayers are with this brave police officer who is receiving treatment in hospital after she was stabbed while on duty, intervening in a robbery, this afternoon.
"Every day our courageous police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep Londoners safe.
"I am sure all Londoners will join me in wishing her a speedy recovery. Attacks on our police are utterly unacceptable and perpetrators will feel the full force of the law.”
The officer received praise from her colleagues at the Met Police Federation, who commended her "absolutely incredible bravery" as she continued to pursue the suspect after being attacked.
"We wish our injured colleague well. She is the best of the best," a spokesperson added.
Westminster City Council Leader Rachael Robathan tweeted: “Shocked by news of a policewoman being stabbed in Chapter Street.
"Relieved she appears not to be seriously injured but a vivid reminder of the dangers police officers face every day keeping us safe.”
