UK

Praise for ‘brave’ police officer who tackled knife-wielding suspect alone

The officer had stopped at a petrol station to quickly buy a drink when he spotted an attack in progress.

Pc Morgan Younger tackling a suspect armed with a knife
Pc Morgan Younger tackling a suspect armed with a knife (Metropolitan Police/PA)

A police officer has been praised for his bravery after single-handedly tackling a knife-wielding suspect who was trying to stab another man.

Pc Morgan Younger managed to take the attacker to the ground, disarm and restrain him while calling for back-up at a petrol station in Lewisham, south-east London, on Saturday.

The officer had stopped at the petrol station to quickly buy a drink when he saw a man grab the victim around the throat and try to stab him with a large knife, the Metropolitan Police said.

Pc Younger, who is attached to South East Command Unit and has five years’ service, managed to bring him to the floor and disarm him without any help.

He restrained him single-handedly, kept him under control for five minutes before other officers arrived, and still managed to arrest the man for attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon, the force said.

Join the Irish News Whatsapp channel

The alleged knifeman, in his 60s, remains in custody, and has been further arrested for handling stolen goods and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs after his home was searched.

The victim, in his 40s, was not injured.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell said: “This is outstanding work from an officer who was on patrol alone, saw a very violent crime in progress and, without hesitation, raced in to assist.

“I cannot overstate how proud we are in the Met today of his quick thinking and bravery. He was calm and professional and everything we want our police officers to be.

“I have no doubt without his intervention, the victim would have been seriously injured.”