This is the shocking moment a policewoman was “kung fu”-kicked in to the path of an oncoming double-decker bus as she assisted with an arrest.
In footage captured by a passing motorist, two men are seen grappling with officers after attempting to flee when their car was pulled over in a routine stop at 7.55pm in Kingswood Road, Wimbledon, on Saturday.
One policeman was dragged from his car and thrown in to the road but kept hold of the suspect’s leg, preventing his escape. His female colleague directed pepper spray at the suspects in an attempt to subdue them.
As the situation appeared to come under control, an accomplice in a grey tracksuit took a running jump and landed a high kick to the policewoman’s chest. She fell backwards, causing a passing bus to brake and swerve, missing her by inches.
The policewoman lay in the middle of the junction as the scuffle continued, before a moped rider stepped in to tackle the first suspect, pinning him to the ground in a headlock. The suspect who kicked the officer then fled the scene.
Since the footage was posted on Twitter last night under the caption: “South London at night... Lol”, it has been viewed more than 120,000 times.
Twitter users hailed the police officer’s bravery but condemned bystanders for not stepping in to help, and others for mocking the incident on social media. Paramedic Ben Hooper said: “I’m disgusted by the replies, why is this funny?”
Commenting on the footage, retired Met officer Chris Hobbs told the Standard: “This is what happens when policing is cut and officers are constantly subject to denigration by politicians, sections of the media and so-called activists.”
The Met said today that the officers detained a 20-year-old man before they were assaulted by two others.
The officers were treated at hospital and have since been discharged.
Martin Payne, 20, of South Croydon, appeared at Wimbledon magistrates’ court today charged with assaulting an emergency services worker and driving offences. Police are hunting two other suspects.
