Policewoman suffers life changing injures after two officers stabbed in Leicester Square

16 September 2022, 08:14 | Updated: 16 September 2022, 11:23

A young female police officer suffered a life-changing stab wound to her arm as she tackled a knifeman in London's Leicester Square.

A male officer was stabbed three times in the neck and once in the chest, but should make a full recovery,

The pair spotted an armed man was spotted close to the theatre district this morning.He needed to be tasered to bring him to the ground, but the two officers received stab wounds in the tussle.

Police said the families of the officers involved have been informed. The incident is not being treated as terror-related.

Hotel worker Arunas Ambrulevius said: “The police had got the knife out of his hand. It fell on the ground but then he grabbed it and went at them. One of them had an arm injury, the other looked a lot less serious."

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 Met police said in a statement: "On Friday, 16 September at around 06:00hrs Police encountered a male with a knife in the area of Leicester Square.

"Two officers received stab wounds and are currently being treated in hospital.

"We await further updates on their conditions.

"Taser was deployed and male was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker.

"He was taken to a hospital for treatment where he remains at this time. Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing."

A cordon was in place this morning between the Lego store on Leicester Square and M&M World.

London Mayor 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.”