West End London: Shocking footage shows Met Police officers stabbed in Shaftesbury Avenue

A knifeman who left three police officers wounded in the centre of London's tourist district has been convicted of attempted murder, robbery and assault.

The video above shows the shocking moment at about 6am on September 16, 2022 when two female Met Police officers pursued a suspected robber in Shaftesbury Avenue, only for him to turn a knife on them.

One officer was stabbed in her right upper arm, with the cut through the muscle and down to the bone.More police arrived in support and a male officer received five stab wounds to his head, arm and chest. The most serious was a wound to his chest which punctured a lung. It was only through the work of paramedics that the chest injury did not have more serious consequences.

A third officer received a wound to his finger, which although it caused significant bleeding, was not as serious.

On Wednesday (September 11), Mohammed Rahman, 25, of Westbourne Park Road, was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court of the attempted murder of one police officer, and GBH with intent against a second officer. He was also convicted of 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 – and possession of a bladed article. Rahman was also convicted of the robbery.

He will be sentenced on Friday, December 8.

Chief Superintendent Louise Puddefoot, in charge of policing in Westminster, said: “Our colleagues almost certainly would have suffered more serious injuries that could have ended their careers, or worse, taken their lives, had it not been for the incredible support provided by their colleagues. The initial first aid provided by officers from Specialist Firearms Command (MO19) proved vital and may have saved the life of one of the officers.

“The incident that led to today’s conviction is an important reminder of the bravery and selflessness of police officers; and highlights their willingness to face danger in order to protect others, something that takes place across London on a daily basis.

“I have nothing but admiration for all of my colleagues who were involved. My thoughts are also with their families – who will have suffered when told the news that morning – and who have supported their recovery and continue to support them as they go back to work.

“Our two colleagues who were seriously injured had been in the Met for only a couple of years, but they exemplify the courage that often goes unnoticed. They have only recently returned to duties, and we will continue to provide them with as much assistance as possible.

“It is clear that Rahman posed a serious threat to the public. He was carrying a knife and did not hesitate to use it.

“I would also like to thank our colleagues in the Specialist Crime Command who led the subsequent investigation and continue to engage with us throughout. The actions of all of the officers involved, from the initial response, to putting evidence before a jury, have helped to take a dangerous man off the streets for what I hope will be a significant amount of time.”

David Malone, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, said: "This was a shocking and horrific incident that highlights the courage required to be a frontline police officer. My thoughts are with those officers who were injured protecting our community.

“May I also pay tribute to the Metropolitan Police Service for a meticulous investigation and to the prosecution team who worked tirelessly, building a strong case, to bring this dangerous individual to justice.

“I hope this case and today’s conviction sends out a clear message to those who carry knives and plan to harm others. You will be caught, and you will be prosecuted."

The two officers who were stabbed were taken to hospital where they underwent surgery for their injuries. Both returned to duty earlier this year.