A man has been found guilty of attempted murder after stabbing two police officers in central London. The officers sustained serious injuries while responding to a report of a man in possession of a knife. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 16, 2022, when the officers, from the Central West Command Unit, were dealing with another incident in Leicester Square.
According to a member of the public, he had just been robbed of a phone power-bank on Shaftsbury Avenue by a man who threatened him with a knife. The member of the public alerted the officers about the nearby suspect. The two female officers approached the suspect, who refused to cooperate and suddenly lunged towards them. The suspect managed to escape, but two additional officers arrived to assist. Despite their efforts to arrest the suspect, he stabbed one of the female officers, causing a deep wound to her right upper arm. The other male officer suffered five stab wounds to his head, arm, and chest, including a punctured lung. A third officer sustained a minor finger wound.
The officers displayed immense bravery and determination, eventually apprehending the suspect. Mohammed Rahman, 25, of Westbourne Park Road, W2, was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday, September 11. He was convicted of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, assault, two counts of threatening a person with a bladed article, and possession of a bladed article. Rahman was also convicted of the robbery involving the member of the public.
Chief Superintendent Louise Puddefoot, who oversees policing in Westminster, praised the outstanding support provided by the officers’ colleagues, emphasising that their timely first aid efforts were crucial in saving one of the officers’ lives. Puddefoot commended the bravery and selflessness of the police officers, highlighting their unwavering commitment to protecting others. She expressed admiration for the injured officers, who had only recently returned to duty, and assured them of continued support for their recovery.
Puddefoot acknowledged the serious threat posed by Rahman, who carried a knife without hesitation. She thanked the Specialist Crime Command for their thorough investigation and collaboration with the Westminster police. Puddefoot emphasised the importance of removing dangerous individuals like Rahman from the streets for a significant period of time.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor David Malone commended the courage of the frontline police officers and extended his thoughts to the injured officers. He praised the Metropolitan Police Service for their meticulous investigation and the prosecution team for their relentless efforts in building a strong case against Rahman. Malone hoped that this case and the subsequent conviction would send a clear message to those who carry knives and intend to harm others: they will be caught and prosecuted.
The injured officers underwent surgery for their severe injuries and have since returned to duty. Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command launched an investigation due to the gravity of the officers’ injuries. They conducted extensive inquiries, gathering substantial evidence, including CCTV footage and body-worn video recordings that captured the attack and Rahman’s subsequent arrest.
Rahman will be sentenced on Friday, December 8.
