Machete-stab PC in ‘critical condition’

A POLICE officer is in a “critical condition” after being stabbed a number of times with a machete in a “sudden and brutal attack”, Scotland Yard has said.

The officer was stabbed around midnight last night after attempting to stop a van at the junction of Coopers Lane and Leyton High Road in Leyton, east London.

The vehicle’s driver, aged in his 50s, failed to stop and then got out of the van and injured the officer with the machete, police said.

The policeman managed to use his Taser, despite having been stabbed, with the alleged attacker then arrested by another officer.

The injured officer, aged in his 30s, was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The Metropolitan Police said his condition was believed to be critical but stable, and his next of kin have been informed.

The driver, who did not require hospital treatment, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken to an east London police station.

The force was continuing its investigation at the scene today.

Police have said there was nothing to suggest the incident was terrorism related.

North East Command Unit’s inspector Julia James described the assault as a “sudden and brutal attack”.

She added: “What began as a routine vehicle stop has transformed very quickly and unexpectedly into an unprovoked attack with a weapon.

“Our thoughts are with the injured officer and his family and we wish him a full recovery.

“I would like to commend his bravery and resilience, especially as he managed to draw a Taser, despite being repeatedly stabbed, to prevent the suspect harming anyone else and to protect himself from further injury.

“This incident highlights the very real risk that police officers can be confronted with on a daily basis and the courage and professionalism officers demonstrate when doing their job.”