One of two police officers stabbed in Leicester Square discharged from hospital
The Metropolitan Police said the female officer has been discharged.
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Your support makes all the difference.One of the two officers stabbed in central London on Friday has been discharged from hospital, the Metropolitan Police said as detectives renewed their appeal for witnesses.
Scotland Yard said a young female officer who suffered potentially life-changing injuries after being knifed in the arm by a “frenzied individual” in Leicester Square has been discharged.
Meanwhile, a male officer who was stabbed three times in the neck and once in the chest remains under medical supervision, the Met said.
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker on Friday, and he remains in custody.
A knife was recovered at the scene, and the Met do not believe the incident was terror related.
The officers – both attached to the Met’s Central West Command Unit responsible for policing Westminster – were carrying out routine duties and were not part of the wider policing operation in place following the death of the Queen.
Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards, from the Central West Command Unit, said: “Every day, police officers go 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.”
His team appealed to anyone who was in the area and saw the incident, or who may have captured events on a camera or mobile phone, to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8244.
“Witnesses can also speak to police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote 1080/16SEP. Information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111,” the force said.
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously said a “violent struggle” involving a “frenzied individual” ensued in the West End at around 6am.
He said the female officer challenged a man she believed was carrying a knife, and he stabbed her in the arm before attempting to flee.
The male officer caught the offender, who stabbed him three times in the neck and once in the chest.
Sir Mark said a taser was deployed, and the offender was arrested while the officers were rushed to hospital.
A police cordon at the scene which covered the northern section of Leicester Square on Friday morning was scaled back in the afternoon.
Forensic officers were seen working outside a Shake Shack restaurant on Coventry Street, as well as round the corner at the junction of Rupert Street and Shaftesbury Avenue.