Police stabbing: One officer knifed in Leicester Square was a woman, Met confirms

One of the two police officers stabbed in central London this morning was a woman, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

Two officers were rushed to hospital this morning (Friday, September 16) after being knifed in Leicester Square.

They were on patrol with colleagues in the area when they were made aware of a man in possession of a knife.

Both officers approached the suspect and received "stab injuries" as they tried to detain him.

Further officers rushed to the scene.

The injured officers - a man and a woman - were taken to hospital for treatment.

Scotland Yard said their injuries were not life threatening.

A Taser was discharged and the suspect, believed to be aged in his 20s, 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 officers – both attached to the Met’s Central West Command Unit - were carrying out routine duties and were not part of the policing operation following the death of the Queen.

Superintendent Justin Browne, of the Met’s 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.

“They will be offered all the support they need as they begin their recovery from this terrifying incident.”