A Metropolitan police officer was seriously injured after being stabbed in the head with a machete during a routine vehicle stop in Leyton, east London. The attack occurred just after midnight on Thursday when officers attempted to stop a van suspected of having no insurance.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker said the driver initially failed to stop and was briefly pursued before pulling over. The driver became aggressive and, after a struggle, produced a weapon and stabbed the officer in the head and body. Despite his injuries, the officer, in his 30s with about a decade of service, managed to use his Taser to subdue the suspect, who was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
The injured officer was taken to hospital with wounds to his head requiring stitches and an injured hand. His next of kin have been informed. Police have said there is no indication the incident was terrorism-related, and the van is being forensically examined.
Inspector Julia James described it as a “sudden and brutal attack on a uniformed officer carrying out their duties.” Witness Muhammad Faisal reported seeing a machete around a foot long and a significant amount of blood at the scene.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson commended the bravery of the police, while Home Secretary Priti Patel expressed horror and wished the officer a full recovery. Mayor Sadiq Khan called the attack “sickening” and noted that an arrest had been made.
