Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after female officer attacked with two knives

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a female officer was viciously attacked with two knives.

Despite two stabbing attempts, the officer did not require hospital treatment and was able to complete the rest of her shift.

Police were called to reports of a man causing a disturbance at an address in Lynette Avenue, SW4 shortly after 9.00pm on Tuesday, 22 October.

A 35-year-old man was attempting to leave the scene as officers spoke to him outside the address. As the female officer tried to prevent him from doing so, the man produced two knives, attempting to stab the officer twice in the stomach.

In response the officer drew her taser, discharging it before pursuing the suspect along with colleagues.

Officers arrested the man 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.

As of yet, the officers have been unable to locate the knives that the man was seen in possession of and discarded between Lynette Avenue and Clapham Common.

Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger of the Central South Command Unit said in a statement that the officer’s reaction was a "testament to her bravery".

He 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."