Family so proud of hero policeman
THE family of Pc Stuart Outten, who was injured after challenging a motor offences suspect allegedly armed with a machete in east London, have described their pride at his bravery.
Suspect Muhammad Rodwan, 56, is charged with the attempted murder of Pc Outten, 28, and possession of an offensive weapon following the incident in Leyton just after midnight on Thursday.
The patrol officer is recovering in hospital after suffering head and hand injuries.
In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, his family 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. His injuries could have been fatal and we are thankful that he is stable and recovering in hospital with his loved ones around him.
“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.
“We are so grateful to the London Ambulance Service paramedics and hospital staff for their care and compassion.
“We have been made aware of images circulating that show Stuart’s injuries and him recovering in hospital.
“We would kindly ask the media and the public not to publish these images at what is already an extremely distressing time for us as a family.
“We would also ask the media to please respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Rodwan, from Luton, appeared briefly at Thames Magistrates’ Court in east London yesterday morning, wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit.
He was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at the Old Bailey on September 6.