Two police officers in hospital after being stabbed by ‘frenzied’ man in London

The Metropolitan Police said a man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker.

Two young police officers are in hospital after being stabbed in central London by a “frenzied individual”, police said.

Scotland Yard said a man in his 20s has been arrested after two officers – one male and one female – were attacked in the Leicester Square area at around 6am.

The female officer was stabbed through a vein in her arm suffering “massive blood loss”, a police source told the PA news agency – an injury which could be life-changing.

A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker.

Speaking at Scotland Yard on Friday morning, Sir Mark said that both officers are now in a stable condition.

“Her colleague chases down the offender, catches him – a tussle ensues – that officer is stabbed three times in the neck and once in the chest,” Sir Mark told reporters.

“He’s very seriously injured – other colleagues join the scene.

“There’s a violent struggle with a fairly frenzied individual – tasers deployed, PAVA spray is deployed and then an officer uses his baton – eventually the offender is subdued and arrested. The two officers were rushed to hospital.”

Metropolitan Police Commissioner — Sir Mark Rowley (Kirsty O’Connor/PA).

Sir Mark credited the officers for being “immensely brave”.

He said: “It’s a reminder to me that with all the calls for reform in the Metropolitan Police – which are absolutely necessary – we should never forget that we’ve got thousands of dedicated men and women going out every day who are prepared to be brave for Londoners.”

The suspect was taken to hospital for treatment and is now being held in custody.

Leicester Square incident — Police at the scene in Shaftesbury Avenue, central London, where two police officers were stabbed by a man at around 6am (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

On Friday morning, crime scene investigators could be seen working within the police cordon outside a Shake Shack burger restaurant, located opposite the M&M’s World shop in Leicester Square.

The cordon meant nearby West End theatres such as the Lyric were inaccessible on Friday morning, and police vans parked at Piccadilly Circus blocked motorists from driving down Shaftesbury Avenue.

Guests at the nearby Thistle Trafalgar Square hotel on Whitcomb Street were told by police they would be unable to return to their rooms on Friday if they ventured beyond the cordon.

Forensics officers and police at the scene in Shaftesbury Avenue, central London (Aaron Chow/PA)

He said: “This attack on serving police officers in Soho overnight is utterly appalling.

“These brave officers were doing their duty and assisting the public at this momentous time for our country.

“My thoughts and prayers are with them, their loved ones and police colleagues following this disgraceful attack.

“Our police officers run towards danger to protect others and keep us safe and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”

“I urge anyone with information to come forward to ensure the perpetrator of this disgusting attack feels the full force of the law.”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she was “concerned” by the incident.

Writing on Twitter, she said: “I am concerned about the stabbings of two Metropolitan Police Officers whilst on duty near Leicester Square and have spoken to the Commissioner about the situation.

Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “I am deeply concerned to hear of the injuries to two police officers in the West End, one of whom is said to be seriously hurt.

“Our thoughts are with the officers and their families, and we will offer any support we can.”