Man charged after officers stabbed in central London

Mohammed Rahman, 24, of Westbourne Park Road, W2, was charged on Saturday September (17), with attempted murder and Section 18 GBH with intent. The attempted murder charge relates to a male police constable, the GBH to a female police constable.

He was also charged with assault (ABH) and two counts of threatening a person in a public place with a bladed article. These charges relate to three other police constables.

In addition, he was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said the officers were on patrol in the area of Leicester Square at around 6am when they were made aware of a man in possession of a knife.

“Officers challenged the man and during attempts to detain him received stab injuries. Further officers rushed to the scene,” the MPS said.

“The injured officers, one male and one female, were taken to hospital for treatment; their injuries are not life-threatening.

“During the arrest, Taser was discharged and the man, believed aged in his twenties, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency services worker – he was taken to hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged into police custody.”

The force said the families of both officers have been informed.

While inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing, at this early stage the MPS said it is not thought the incident is terror related.

The officers – both attached to the MPS’s Central West Command Unit – were carrying out routine duties and were not part of the wider policing operation in place following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it added.

Superintendent Justin Browne from the Central West Command Unit, responsible for policing Westminster, said: “Every day, police officers got out on the streets to keep the communities of London safe. In doing so they often have to put themselves in the way of danger, putting their own welfare at risk in order to protect others.

“The actions of these two officers, and their colleagues, exemplifies the key value of courage that runs through the core of the Metropolitan Police and they will be offered all the support they need as they begin their recovery from this terrifying incident.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, 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 have spoken with the new Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley about this awful incident and remain in close contact. Attacks against the police will not be tolerated and any perpetrators will be caught and prosecuted. I urge anyone with information to come forward to ensure the perpetrator of this disgusting attack feels the full force of the law.”

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Federation said: “Devastating news. Sadly highlighting the severe dangers your police officers face in London each and every day. Wishing our injured colleagues well at this awful time. They have the full support of the Federation.”

Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Tweeted: “Terrible news breaking this morning of two Met Police officers stabbed in central London. My thoughts are very much with them, and the emergency service colleagues who responded.”

Susan Hall AM, chair of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, said they were “appalled by the news that two serving Metropolitan Police officers were attacked while on duty in central London”.

She added: “Police officers regularly put themselves in danger to ensure our city is safe. This attack is abhorrent, particularly during such a significant time for London and the country.

“On behalf of the London Assembly, our thoughts and best wishes are with the officers, their loved ones, and police colleagues at this time.”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman Tweeted that she was “concerned about the stabbings of the two officers while on duty” and had spoken to the [MPS] Commissioner about the situation.

“Every day, we are safer thanks to the the bravery of our policemen and women. I wish the police officers a swift recovery and my thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues,” she added.