The first police officer at London Bridge after the terror attack was a rugby player who took on all terrorists with only a baton until he was forced to the ground, it has been reported.
According to Sky News, the heroic cop is now in hospital in a serious condition following his clash with the terrorists who went on a rampage at killing seven people last night.
Four police officers were reportedly injured in the attacks, two seriously with stab wounds.
A British Transport Police officer stabbed during the London terror incident took on the knifemen armed only with his baton, the force said.
The officer, who was less than two years into his job, was one of the first on the scene after he responded to calls for help from the public after a vehicle ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge.
BTP chief constable Paul Crowther, who visited the officer in hospital where he is in a stable condition after suffering face, head and leg injuries, said he showed “enormous courage in the face of danger”.
He said: “Although he is seriously unwell, he was able to recount how he faced the attackers armed only with his baton, outside London Bridge station.
“For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud.
“All of us at BTP wish him a swift recovery, and I know he will be touched by the hundreds of messages of support from across the UK and the world.
“Our thoughts are with all of those who died or were injured, and their loved ones as they try to come to terms with what happened.”
Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said: “I can confirm that sadly some of our colleagues were among the injured in the attack last night. I join all UK police colleagues in wishing them a swift recovery.
“We are offering them our full support.”
“First and foremost our thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific events last night and we wish well to those still injured.
“There can be no doubt that the swift response of our colleagues – both armed and unarmed – saved further lives from being lost.
“There are barely words to describe their bravery – officers who ran towards danger with no thought for their own safety.
“Londoners can rightly be proud of their emergency services today. They are the best of the best and we thank everyone for their praise and kind comments.”
It comes after it emerged emergency services saved lives within eight minutes after the brutal stabbing spree.
Armed cops descended on the scene and shot three suspects dead within eight minutes of the first call at 10.08pm last night in scenes of “extraordinary courage” after heroic bystanders tried to help those who had been wounded and killed.
Seven victims have lost their lives and huge swathes of central London remain on lockdown.
Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick confirmed the UK’s ‘severe’ terror threat level – which rose to ‘critical’ for several days after the Manchester Arena suicide bombing – meant emergency services were well prepared to respond to a terrorist atrocity on the streets.
Source: Mirror
