Family ‘so proud’ of Britain’s toughest cop
THE family of a hero police officer repeatedly stabbed in a machete attack spoke yesterday how they are “incredibly proud” of his bravery.
Yesterday a man appeared in court charged with attempted murder.
PC Stuart Outten’s family spoke as the first pictures emerged of the heroic 28-year-old.
Muhammad Rodwan, 56, is accused of carrying out an attack. Yesterday it emerged PC Outten’s police officer girlfriend was among those sent to help him, unaware that he was the victim.
Just hours after the attack the officer in her 20s – who describes herself as a “third generation cop” – posted an emotional message on social media.
The message – thought to have been sent at 5am from PC Outten’s bedside – said: “Heartbroken can’t even explain tonight’s events. My world fell apart.
“Words can’t fill the thoughts I feel. Best wishes everyone, keep safe and remember to always have your colleagues’ back.”
PC Outten has served in the Metropolitan Police for 10 years.
His mother Karen also works for the force as a communications officer.
Distressing
Yesterday the family thanked well-wishers for their support at an “extremely distressing” and “difficult” time.
They said: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received from the public, Stuart’s colleagues and the wider policing family.
“We are incredibly proud of the bravery Stuart showed during the incident.
“Stuart joined the Met straight from school and loves being a police officer and protecting the public. Although there are risks associated with his job, we would never have expected something like this to happen.”
The family went on to pay tribute to paramedics and hospital staff who helped save PC Outten, a West Ham football fan from Grays, Essex.
PC Outten was attacked just after midnight onThursday after he stopped a van driver on suspicion of driving without insurance in a routine check in Leyton, east London.
Shocking videos showed him bent over in the road bleeding heavily from head wounds while passers-by stepped in to help him.
In spite of the ferocity of the blows, PC Outten managed to incapacitate his attacker with a Taser. He suffered serious multiple head injuries and wounds to his hand but continued in his duty without thinking of his safety.
Footage showed him crawling on his knees with blood pouring from him –
then asking for members of the public to pass him his radio.
He is heard calling in to control, saying: “I need an ambulance. I have been stabbed with a machete.”
A member of the public is then heard saying: “You’re bleeding, bro.” Still conscious, the officer sighs and says: “Oh, yeah.”
PC Outten remains in hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker visited him in hospital just hours after the attack. He said: “He told me he was OK, but that’s the
type of character he is – he is an amazing police officer.”
Yesterday Muhammad Rodwan appeared at Thames magistrates court in east London accused of the attempted murder of PC Outten.
Rodwan, formerly of Luton, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, that he has no address and said his nationality is British. Rodwan – who is also accused of possessing an offensive weapon – did not enter pleas to the two charges. He was remanded in custody until September 6 when he will appear at the Old Bailey.