Met Police stabbing: Two officers in hospital after Leicester Square knife attack

Two Met Police officers have been injured in a stabbing in Leicester Square.

The officers were attacked in the iconic central London area at around 6am this morning (Friday, September 16) after encountering a man with a knife.

Both officers suffered stab wounds and are being treated in hospital.

A force spokesperson said: “Taser was deployed and a male was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker.

“He was taken to a hospital for treatment where he remains at this time.”

An investigation into the circumstances is underway, but the incident is not being treated as terror related.

The officers’ families have been made aware.

The spokesperson added: “We await further updates on their conditions.”

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.”

He added: “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.”

Natalie Morales, who works at Mister Churros, a kiosk right by the scene of the stabbing, told LondonWorld she was “sick of this kind of stuff going on”.

Ms Morales, who lives near Bow, east London, added: “The law needs to get harder on these kinds of things.

“Especially at a time like this, when the Queen has just died.

“I’ve got children, loads of kids come here to Leicester square. It’s a day out for family and friends.

“It happening anywhere is a scary thing. I feel like the world’s gone mad.”

While retiree Colin Darvill, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, said: “Why do people carry knives, it’s crazy isn’t it?

“A few seconds of impatience or bad attitude and someone gets hurt or killed.”

Mr Darvill, who came to London to see the Queen’s coffin lying-in-state in Westminster Hall and spent 11 hours in the queue, added: “It’s just a shame… it ties up resources.”

Susan Hall, chairman of the London Assembly police and crime committee, said: “We are appalled by the news that two serving Met Police officers were attacked while on duty in central London overnight.

“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.”

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The thoughts of the London Fire Commissioner and all at London Fire Brigade are with the two police officers stabbed this morning, and their families.”