Officer who fought terrorists has ‘life-altering injuries’

A ROOKIE officer who took on the London Bridge terrorists with a baton was stabbed in the face and suffered “lifealtering injuries”, a friend has said.

The officer was wounded in the face, leg and hands when he attempted to tackle the knife-wielding terrorists as they continued their killing spree in the bars and restaurants around Borough Market.

A friend whose husband works with the officer, who has not yet been named, told The Daily Telegraph that he had sustained “life altering but not life threatening” injuries in the attack, hailing him as a hero who “sets the example we should all follow”.

The officer, who joined the British Transport Police (BTP) less than two years ago, is believed to have been still on probation.

BTP Chief Constable Paul Crowther paid tribute to the “enormous courage” of his colleague, after it emerged that he had fought the terrorists armed with just his baton. He said: “Having visited the officer in hospital shortly after he was admitted for treatment, I was able to hear his account of what happened. It became clear that he showed enormous courage in the face of danger, as did many others who were at the scene and rushed to help.

“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.”

The officer’s colleagues have set up a Justgiving page in his honour and have been fundraising to send him on holiday once he gets out of hospital. Nearly £5,000 has now been raised.

Fellow officer Ken Lees wrote: “If ever a colleague deserved recognition it’s this guy. Totally selfless courage in the face of potential death. This is what it means to be a police officer. I am proud to have worn the same uniform.”