Police condemn public for cheering escaping man who injured police

A senior police officer has condemned members of the public who laughed and cheered as a man escaping police left two officers requiring hospital treatment.

One of the officers required surgery for a torn ligament following the confrontation that ensued after a car was stopped in Newham, east London, on Thursday.

Footage of the events, which was shared widely online, showed people cheering and laughing, drawing criticism from a senior officer.

Superintendent Roy Smith said on Twitter: "It's a sad state of affairs."

He added: "So disappointing to see members of the public filming this and laughing at the officers."

Scotland Yard said a vehicle was stopped in Romford Road at about 4.30pm on Thursday.

In the events that followed, a female officer sustained a broken bone in her right hand, while a male officer suffered ligament damage to his hand, requiring surgery.

A man has been charged with assault and possession of a firearm.

Nanikutomisa Mpelenda, 25, of Huxley Road, Leyton, will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He also faces charges of possession of a firearm with criminal intent, obstructing a drugs search and driving while uninsured.

Meanwhile a 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released under investigation.