A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a police officer from Central South command was attacked in Clapham yesterday.
The officer had been dealing with an incident at Lynette Avenue just before 9pm, having been called to reports of a “man causing a disturbance”.
Police had identified a 35-year-old who attempted to leave the scene.
After the officer intervened, police said the man wielded two knives and tried to stab her in the stomach.
The quick-thinking officer then attempted to taser the man before pursuing him down the street with her colleagues before detaining him by Clapham Common.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon, and a public order offence and remains in custody in south London.
The officer did not need hospital treatment.
Police say they are now trying to recover the two knives discarded during the chase.
Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger, from Central South Command, which covers Southwark and Lambeth, 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.”