Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after knife attack on police officer in London

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a female police officer was attacked with two knives.

Officers were called to a disturbance in Clapham, southwest London at about 9pm on Tuesday.

They found a man who tried to leave and the female officer tried to stop him.

He then tried to stab her at least twice with two knives, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

The victim managed to fire her Taser and was unhurt despite the attack.

She then gave chase with her colleagues, arresting a man at Clapham Common.

A Met spokesperson said the woman did not need medical help.

“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,” said Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger.

“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.”

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, attempted murder and carrying an offensive weapon.

In August PC Stuart Outten was stabbed several times with a machete during a routine traffic stop.

The officer managed to Taser the suspect before calling for help.

He is expected to return to work next month.

Additional reporting by agencies