Bravery and selflessness of those who took on attackers praised

A British Transport Police officer who was stabbed during the London terror incident took on the knifemen armed only with his baton, the force said.

The officer, less than two years into his job, was one of the first on the scene.

BTP chief constable Paul Crowther, who visited the officer in hospital where he is in a stable condition after suffering face, head and leg injuries, said he showed “enormous courage in the face of danger”.

He said: “Although he is seriously unwell, he was able to recount how he faced the attackers armed only with his baton, outside London Bridge station.

“For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud.”

A spokesman said: “We ask you to be vigilant and report anything that you see or hear which is suspicious, or just doesn’t feel right.”

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick has praised the “extraordinary” courage of members of the public and emergency services who “ran towards the danger”.

Ms Dick said: “In the early hours of the morning I visited one of the hospitals where the injured are being treated.

“There I heard truly remarkable stories of extraordinarily brave actions by officers on and off duty who were first on the scene.

“I also heard of colleagues from other emergency services and members of the public who ran towards the danger as this incident unfolded.

“Many, many people risked their own safety to help others and to treat those seriously injured and indeed to confront the suspects involved.

“It’s clear to me that the courage of those people during and following the attack was extraordinary and I pay tribute to all of them who came to the aid of those in need during this dreadful attack, and I am sure helped to save lives.”

Many, many people risked their own safety to help others. CRESSIDA DICK