London attack: Hero policeman stabbed in face after fighting terrorists 'armed only with baton'

Mark Chandler4 June 2017
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A heroic police officer who was stabbed in the face at London Bridge took on the terrorists armed only with his baton, it has been revealed.

The policeman, who joined British Transport Police (BTP) just two years ago, was one of four officers injured in the terror attack on Saturday night.

He was stabbed in the face, head and leg, during the assault as he reportedly tried to take on all three attackers at once.

An off-duty Met Police officer was also left in hospital with serious injuries, which are not deemed to be life-threatening.

Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack

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The officer, who plays rugby in his spare time, reportedly took on the killers with his bare hands.

Seven people died and another 48 were injured when three attackers drove a van at pedestrians before stabbing people with knives at Borough Market.

The killers were shot dead by armed police just eight minutes after they mounted their massacre.

Response: Armed Police at London Bridge station
PA

Chief Constable Paul Crowther from BTP said on Sunday that the force’s officer, who has not been named and was one of the first on the scene, is now in a stable condition but seriously ill.

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 last night.

“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.

Investigation: Police in London
Jeremy Selwyn

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

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

“All of us at BTP wish him a swift recovery, and I know he will be touched by the hundreds of messages of support from across the UK and the world.

“Our thoughts are with all of those who died or were injured, and their loved ones as they try to come to terms with what happened.”

Along with the Met, BTP said they would be increasing the number of officers on patrol around the capital in the wake of the attack.

Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said: "I can confirm that sadly some of our colleagues were among the injured in the attack last night. I join all UK police colleagues in wishing them a swift recovery.

Armed Police officers on London Bridge (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire )
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

"We are offering them our full support."

Mr Marsh added: "First and foremost our thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific events last night and we wish well to those still injured.

"There can be no doubt that the swift response of our colleagues - both armed and unarmed - saved further lives from being lost.

"There are barely words to describe their bravery - officers who ran towards danger with no thought for their own safety.

"Londoners can rightly be proud of their emergency services today. They are the best of the best and we thank everyone for their praise and kind comments."

London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack

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