Brave Public Rush to Aid Burned Police Officers in Barnet Acid Attack
The Met has hailed the quick-thinking locals who helped officers injured during a dramatic drugs raid in Barnet yesterday.
Acid Spray Injures 11 Officers
At around 1:50pm on Wednesday, firearms officers raided an industrial unit on Dale Close. As the warrant was executed, a corrosive substance — believed to be sulphuric acid — was released, causing burn injuries to 11 officers from the Specialist Firearms Command.
All hurt cops were rushed to hospital. Although now discharged, some face ongoing treatment. Colleagues continue to support their recovery at home.
Community Steps Up – Police Praise ‘True Compassion’
“I want to pay tribute and pass on the thanks of the Metropolitan Police to the various members of the local community who came rushing to assist when our officers were in need,” said Chief Superintendent Roy Smith, North West BCU Commander. “By providing water and opening their homes to allow first aid to be administered showed true compassion.”
“When Sir Robert Peel founded the Met in 1829, he said ‘the police are the public and the public are the police’ – this was a brilliant and humbling example that this remains as true in 2020 as it did in 1829.”
Commander Kyle Gordon, lead for the Specialist Firearms Command, added: “Our officers showed immense bravery, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect Londoners. Thankfully, none were seriously injured and all should make a full recovery.”
Four Arrested After Drugs Warrant Goes Up in Flames
- A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in Class B drug supply and inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) on officers.
- A 30-year-old was arrested for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and GBH. Both remain in custody.
- A 21-year-old suspect is also held on conspiracy and GBH charges but is still in hospital with burn injuries.
- A 32-year-old was arrested on similar charges and remains in hospital with a foot injury sustained during the raid.
Investigations continue into the incident. The Directorate of Professional Standards has referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which launched an independent probe into how the foot injury happened.
