‘Brave’ female police officer stabbed on duty

A FEMALE police officer was in hospital last night after being stabbed as she attempted to detain two men who were trying to rob a grocery store.

Two officers were in Chapter Street, in Westminster, central London, when they saw two men armed with knives attempting to rob the store at 3.42pm, the Metropolitan Police said.

The shopkeeper had managed to push the males on to the pavement. As police tried to detain them, the female officer was stabbed in the abdomen, but continued to chase the suspects along Vauxhall Bridge Road.

The suspects were detained a short time later with the assistance of firearms officers.

Police said the female officer was taken to hospital and her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Reacting to the incident, Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with this brave police officer who is receiving treatment in hospital after she was stabbed.

“Every day our courageous police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep Londoners safe. I am sure all Londoners will join me in wishing her a speedy recovery. Attacks on our police are utterly unacceptable and perpetrators will feel the full force of the law.”

Ch Insp Simon Brooker said: “This shows precisely the kind of danger officers face every single day as they work to keep the public safe.

“For this officer to be stabbed on duty is unacceptable but, fortunately, she does not appear to be seriously injured.

“I applaud her bravery in responding to this call. This courage is typical of Met officers.”