21/11/2011

Chief Praises Four Officers Stabbed In London

The four police officers that were injured as they dealt with a violent man in Kingsbury on Saturday have been praised for their bravery by their commander.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning when the 32-year-old man with a large knife was believed to have struck out at officers trying to subdue him. He was arrested four officers were injured during the incident in Kingsbury, Harrow.

Christopher Alexander Houghton, 32, of Milford Gardens, Wembley appears in custody at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday, 21 November charged with eight separate offences, including three counts of attempted murder and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm.

Their Borough Commander paid tribute to the officers bravery, saying we all owed a huge debt to the officers who put the safety of the public over and above their own.

Chief Superintendent Dal Babu, Harrow Borough Commander said: "Harrow police have been inundated by messages of support, for the enormous bravery of the officers who were stabbed, and their colleagues."

"The local community has been stopping officers in the street to enquire on the condition of the officers and thank the police for their bravery. Three of the officers remain in hospital and are undergoing surgery and treatment for their injuries, families are with the officers as they continue with their medical treatment , one officer has been discharged from hospital.

"The next few weeks for these officers will be challenging as they reflect on their outstanding bravery in protecting our community and the impact this has had on them personally. I feel truly humbled by the humility of the officers who were injured, and their colleagues, as they talked about this horrific incident."

The commander added that these incidents were rare but when they occur it was important that the police had brave officers who will not hesitate in dealing with frightening situations.

The 32-year old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remains in custody at a west London police station whilst enquiries by the Homicide and Serious Crime Command continue.

(DW)

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