Two police officers went from delivering a baby to facing down a violent crowd all in one wild shift.
Officers Deliver Baby in Police Chase
On Friday, 3 July, PCs Siobhan Singh and Isabella Taborro from Central West Command were patrolling trouble hotspots with the Violent Crime Taskforce. Their routine night took a dramatic turn on Grafton Way, WC1, when they spotted a car driving erratically.
The vehicle sped past and ignored police orders to stop. The officers caught up outside University College Hospital, where the car finally came to a halt. Approaching the vehicle, they discovered the driver’s wife was in the throes of labour — and ready to give birth.
The two officers stayed by the mother’s side while colleagues liaised with hospital staff. But the baby had other plans. PCs Singh and Taborro stepped in and delivered a healthy baby girl right in the front seat of the car.
The family was handed over to hospital staff, with mother and baby Clara both doing well.
From Life-Saving Heroics to Brutal Attack
Just as the officers returned to patrol, they were called to an unlicensed music event in Hammersmith and Fulham. The party turned sour fast — crowds refused to leave and started hurling objects at police.
PC Singh was hit in the shoulder and suffered injuries including a suspected fractured collar bone. She received medical treatment and was discharged after muscle damage was confirmed. PC Taborro was hurt too, taking an ankle injury from flying debris.
The violent crowd was eventually dispersed by around 1.15am, but not before a total of eleven officers were injured that night across the Met.
Chief Superintendent Praises Officers’ Bravery
“This shift shows how a police officer’s day can quickly go from the joy of bringing new life into the world to facing an angry mob,” said Chief Superintendent Helen Harper. “I praise all my officers who face the unknown each day. Their calm in delivering a baby highlights the unseen, human side of policing. Then to confront violence at a chaotic event is just as remarkable.” “PCs Singh and Taborro are recuperating and will be ready for whatever London throws at them next.”
Grateful Mother Thanks Officers
“My labour was fast, and just a mile from the hospital I felt the baby was on the way,” said Debra, Clara’s mother. “We passed a police van and were chased because I was probably speeding. We stopped outside the hospital as Clara was being born. Siobhan and Isabelle rushed to help, stayed calm, cheerful and fully reassured me. I can’t thank them enough for bringing Clara safely into the world!”
