An off-duty police/" title="Metropolitan Police" rel="nofollow">Metropolitan Police officer displayed remarkable bravery when he intervened to stop an assault on a woman in Ilford, with the suspect now facing charges and in custody.
The officer, identified as a chief inspector attached to the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, was driving past The Drive in Ilford with a family member on Sunday, 17 March when he witnessed the assault. Without hesitation, he got out of the vehicle and apprehended the alleged attacker.
During the confrontation, both the officer and the suspect sustained injuries. The officer suffered serious arm and facial injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) and intentional strangulation. He is now remanded in custody awaiting his first appearance at Crown Court.
Chief Superintendent Richard Smith, who leads the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, praised the officer’s courageous actions, stating, “This officer put himself in harm’s way to protect a vulnerable victim. He acted quickly, without back-up from colleagues, to stop someone being assaulted. He showed incredible bravery, and embodies what being a police officer is about – protecting and serving the public. We will offer the officer all the support we can as he recovers from his injury.”
Responding to a 999 call about the incident, additional officers arrived at the scene and arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill and assault. He was further arrested on suspicion of breaching court bail.
Fortunately, the woman involved did not require hospital treatment, and she is currently receiving support from officers.
The Metropolitan Police reiterated their commitment to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls, emphasizing their dedication to building trust and confidence, targeting dangerous offenders, and creating safer spaces for women and girls.
