A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after trying to stab a female police officer at least twice in the stomach.
Police had been called to reports of a man causing a disturbance at an address in Clapham, South West London shortly after 9pm last night.
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Officers attended and identified a 35-year-old man who was involved. As officers spoke to him outside the address he attempted to leave the scene.
When a female officer tried to prevent him from doing so, the man produced two knives and attempted to stab the officer at least twice in the stomach.
Despite the attack, the officer calmly drew her Taser and discharged it before pursuing the suspect along with colleagues.
The man was arrested at nearby Clapham Common on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon and a public order offence. He remains in custody at a south London police station.
Work continues to locate the knives that the man was seen in possession of and discarded between Lynette Avenue and Clapham Common.
The officer did not require hospital treatment.
Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger of the Central South Command Unit said:
“This was a truly shocking incident that could have easily had devastating consequences and I have no doubt that the intentions of this man were to seriously harm one of our colleagues.
“It is a testament to her bravery that, despite the attack, this officer – along with her colleagues – remained focused in detaining and disarming a dangerous man.
“She then completed her shift and, having spoken to her, she’ll be back helping keep the streets of south London safe once again today.
“Importantly, it also demonstrates how effective, and unfortunately necessary, a police officer’s protective equipment is as this has potentially saved her life.”
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