Advertisement

Moment sword-wielding man attacks police officer and severs his finger

Warning: Graphic footage

Shocking body-worn footage shows Anthony Browne, 63, wielding a sword. (SWNS)
Shocking body-worn footage shows Anthony Browne, 63, wielding a sword. (SWNS)

A man who attacked a police officer with a four-foot-long sword and severed his finger has been jailed for more than seven years.

Shocking body-worn footage showed Anthony Browne, 63, revealing the large weapon hidden behind him and lunging at the policeman.

The incident happened when police attended a Dagenham address after reports of a disturbance and a man behaving aggressively at 7.40pm on 30 November last year.

Officers were confronted by Browne, who started brandishing the sword and waving it in their faces.

Watch: Sword-wielding man attacks police officer and severs his finger

Read more: Topless protester streaks near Windsor Castle during Prince Philip's funeral

The sword hit the officer's hand, breaking it and partially severing a finger.

His injuries were not life-threatening but required surgery and ongoing treatment.

Browne was arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and common assault.

He was jailed for seven years and four months after admitting to GBH at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman said: “Anyone watching the body-worn video footage will agree that it is completely unacceptable that officers are met with extreme violence like this.

"The officer's colleagues were certainly quickly on scene when the alarm was raised.

"The fact his injuries were not life-threatening was fortunate, particularly for Browne, who could have found himself facing even more serious charges."

Read more: Police increase patrols to deal with crowds on first weekend since pubs reopened

A general view of the main entrance to Snaresbrook Crown Court in Holybush Hill, Snaresbrook, east London.   (Photo by John Stillwell/PA Images via Getty Images)
Anthony Browne was jailed at Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London. (Getty)

DCS Clayman added: "I’m quite sure that this will have a lasting impact on the officer concerned who showed great courage in the face of danger.

“The dramatic escalation of violence and aggression showed by Browne highlights both the bravery and risks police officers often face, particularly in someone’s own home.

"It also demonstrates that anyone who assaults an officer whilst carrying out their duty, no matter what the circumstances, will find themselves before the courts, so be warned.”