Man in Hospital After Penge Arrest – Condition Improves
A man arrested on suspicion of assaulting officers in Penge is now in a stable condition in hospital after claiming to have taken drugs. Police confirm his condition is no longer life-threatening.
Police Pursue Shoplifting Suspect
The drama unfolded around 6:30pm on Wednesday, when police were called to Penge High Street following reports of a group of shoplifters. Officers chased one suspect on foot and arrested him on suspicion of assaulting police.
Shortly after custody, the man said he had ingested drugs, prompting an urgent hospital trip.
Officers Treated Over Suspected Chemical Exposure
During the journey to hospital, two officers in the police vehicle began feeling unwell. The vehicle stopped on Hayes Lane, sparking concerns of chemical exposure. Firefighters and paramedics from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and London Ambulance Service (LAS) rushed to the scene.
Three people were treated at the scene. The two officers were taken to hospital as a precaution, while the arrested man was transported separately.
However, further checks confirmed there was no chemical exposure involved, and the incident was stood down.
Police Continue Investigation, No Further Details Released
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “The man arrested remains in hospital. His condition is not life-threatening. Both officers went to hospital as a precaution and have since been discharged.”
Police are investigating the events leading up to the arrest. No new information on the shoplifting or possible charges has been made public.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
