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

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

Police at the scene in Leicester Square this morning
Police at the scene in Leicester Square this morning. Picture: LBC

By Asher McShane

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.

Members of the public and police at a cordon in Leicester Square this morning
Members of the public and police at a cordon in Leicester Square this morning. Picture: LBC

"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.

Two police were stabbed and the knifeman was taken to hospital after being tasered
Two police were stabbed and the knifeman was taken to hospital after being tasered. Picture: LBC

"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.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Kanye West, left, and Bianca Censori arrive at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Bianca Censori shares true feelings towards Kanye West's nude Grammys stunt

Landlords face £6k bill to meet higher energy efficiency standards on rental homes by 2030 under government plans

Landlords face £6k bill to meet higher energy efficiency standards on rental homes by 2030 under government plans

Pope Francis meets Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla Duchess of Cornwall at the Vatican on April 4, 2017.

King Charles and Queen Camilla to meet Pope Francis during state visit to Italy

A British couple was reportedly found dead by a neighbour in Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue.

British couple found dead inside 'isolated' French villa in 'feared burglary gone wrong'

Exclusive
Commuter backlash after Network Rail 'erases trains from departure boards' early to 'ease rush'

Commuter backlash after Network Rail 'erases trains from departure boards early' to 'ease passenger rush'

b

Knife arches in schools are welcome - but who is going to pay for them?

James Evans, 19, left, and Justin Keeling (formerly Evans), 18, right, have admitted to starting a massive fire that sparked a mass evacuation.

Two teens admit starting huge fire that 'ripped residents out of homes' during summer riots

Inga Gehricke, five, went missing following a family barbecue in Germany back in 2015.

Police launch fresh search efforts for missing girl linked to prime Madeleine McCann suspect

v

School named after Prince Andrew set to rebrand to something less 'controversial'

The Princess Royal during a visit to Southmead Hospital in Bristol to thank the team of doctors, nurses and health professionals who treated her following her accident in June 2024.

Princess Anne returns to the intensive care unit where she had treatment for head injuries

A utility firm has admitted its equipment started one of the LA fires last month.

California utility says its equipment likely sparked fire that raged through LA

Yusuf Kayat, 54, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, has been jailed for 20 years

Paedophile who plied girl, 10, with alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis before grooming her for sex with other men jailed

Salim Iskef, 29, was one of ten people killed by lone gunman Rickard Andersson, 35, at Orebro's Risbergska adult education centre on Tuesday.

Heartbreaking final words of Sweden mass shooting victim shared with mum and fiancé revealed

Exclusive
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks to the media during a visit to Springfields (Preston Lab), National Nuclear Laboratory.

UK must make it harder to buy knives online to prevent repeat of Southport killings, PM tells LBC

UK resident comes forward to claim £83m EuroMillions jackpot

UK winner comes forward to claim £83.5million EuroMillions jackpot 13 days after draw

Cold Snap Brings Freezing Temperatures To Parts Of UK

Cold health alerts issued as temperatures set to plummet over weekend as the Beast from the East returns