A GUTSY cop was stabbed in the face and head after taking on THREE knife-wielding terrorists armed with just his baton.

He waded in, fighting with the trio until he was eventually overpowered.

The police officer, who plays rugby in his spare time, was one of the first on the scene after a van ploughed into pedestrians and three jihadis leapt out and launched a stabbing spree.

10 Police officers and members of the emergency services attend to a person injured in a terror attack on London Bridge on Saturday night Credit: Getty Images

Do you know the hero cop? Email ellie.flynn@thesun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4429

It also emerged that one injured victim was knifed in the stomach by a jihadi who screamed at him: “This is for Islam.”

Daniel O’Neill, 23, was targeted when he stepped out of a bar in Borough Market. The hero police officer, who plays rugby in his spare time, was on duty on Saturday night and was one of the first cops on the scene.

10 Armed police are seen near London Bridge after reports of an incident involving a vehicle and pedestrians. Credit: London News Pictures

10 Counter-terror police on the scene in London Bridge this morning Credit: Chris Eades

He reportedly tackled all three jihadis and was stabbed in the face, head and leg.

The cop, who has not been named and been in the job for less than two years, was said to be stable in hospital.

Chief Constable Paul Crowther, who visited the BTP officer, said: "It became clear that he showed enormous courage in the face of danger, as did many others who were at the scene and rushed to help.

Did you see the London Bridge terror attack, or know anyone involved? Please contact The Sun newsdesk on 020 7782 4100, text 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk

“For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud."

He added: “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.”

Four cops were injured in the rampage, two of them suffering serious stab wounds.

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One, an off-duty Met Police officer, was knifed five times after racing to the scene to protect members of the public.

The Southwark-based hero was in a critical but not life-threatening condition in hospital.

Injured victim Daniel was still “quite sick” in London’s King’s College Hospital.

His mum Elizabeth said: “A man ran up to him and said, ‘This is for my family, this is for Islam’ and stuck a knife straight in him.”

The brute ran off and Daniel went back into the pub.

10 Daniel O'Neill, 23, was stabbed and then hid from bullets

Elizabeth said: “There was shots fired, everybody was told to lie down and then they were told to go downstairs in the bar.

“At this stage, Daniel’s friend had put a tourniquet on him and was holding pressure there.”

Her son was taken to hospital in a police car for treatment.

Asya found safe A TEEN girl missing for hours after the attacks has been found safe and well. Asya Mustafa, 16, was caught up in the chaos while walking home through Borough Market. Her family made a desperate appeal for information, which was repeatedly shared on social media. They were told she was safe on Sunday and had lost her phone when ordered to flee by police. Her aunt Tijen posted on Facebook: “Asya was caught up in (the attack) and her phone lost whilst police made people run away from the area. “It has been so emotional and worrying. We are so glad to hear she is safe. Thank you all for your concerns. It means so much to us.”

Elizabeth said: “He has got a 7in scar going from his belly round to his back. He is still quite sick so we can’t rule out kidney damage.”

Describing the attackers as “absolute cowards”, she added: “These people say they are doing it in the name of God, which is an absolute joke.”

The three terrorists were shot dead by cops within eight minutes of first emergency call as members of the public took cover nearby.

It comes as Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick praised the “extraordinary courage” of brave officers, emergency services and members of the public “ran towards danger” and “risked their lives” to save others.

She slammed the “appalling and tragic” attack which has so far left seven people dead and 48 others injured.

10

Sky sources:first police officer on the scene (rugby player) took on all terrorists until he was forced to ground. Serious condition in hosp — Kay Burley (@KayBurley) June 4, 2017

4 police officers were injured in last night's attacks. Two seriously injured with stab wounds - and one of those was off duty at the time — SallyLockwood (@sallylockwood) June 4, 2017

Kiwi tourist in coma after 4hrs' surgery A NEW Zealander stabbed in the face, neck and stomach was in a coma yesterday after four hours of emergency surgery. Oliver Dowling, 32, from Christchurch, is expected to recover because the knife missed his vital organs. His sister Freddy wrote on Facebook: “Doctors are very happy with how he’s come out the other side. “A massive thank you to the University of London Hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother out.” Oliver’s girlfriend Marie Bondeville was also injured, but her condition was unknown on Sunday. Freddy said: “Marie has been in surgery at another hospital but unfortunately we haven’t been able to find out how she is due to not being immediate family.” She described the attack as “heart-breaking” and added: “Get well soon Oliver and Marie xx.” Her brother, who is known as Wolf or Wolfie to his friends, had been having a meal with Marie at the Lobos tapas restaurant on Borough High Street. It is on the edge of the market. Oliver was treated in University of London Hospital near Euston Station, about four miles from the scene.

Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, she said: “In the early hours of this morning I visited one of the hospitals in London.

“There, I heard truly remarkable stories and extraordinarily brave actions by officers on and off duty first on the scene.

“I heard of colleagues of other emergency services and members of the public who ran towards the danger as the incident unfolded.

“Many, many people risked their own safety to help others and treat those seriously injured and indeed to confront suspects involved.

“The courage of those people during and following the attack was extraordinary and I pay tribute to all of them. I’m sure they helped to save lives.”

The latest terror assault came 12 days after the Manchester suicide bombing which killed 22 people – including children – at a pop concert.

This is the third terror attack in the UK in three months following the car and knife attack in Westminster in March, which left five people dead.

Theresa May declared “enough is enough” and defiantly confirmed Thursday’s General Election will go ahead after chairing a Cobra meeting.

LONDON BRIDGE TERROR ATTACK - What we know so far A van ploughed through pedestrians on London Bridge just after 10pm on Saturday

Three men wearing fake bomb vests jumped out on the south end of the bridge at Borough Market and began knifing bystanders and pub-goers

Armed police arrived on the scene and within eight minutes the three terrorists were shot dead

At least seven victims were killed and at least 30 people were injured. The injured were being treated across five London hospitals. One of the injured was a British Transport Police officer who was stabbed in the face

Theresa May will chair a Cobra emergency response meeting later after the attack was confirmed to be a terror incident

Four controlled explosions were heard near The Sun’s offices in London Bridge between 1:20am and 1:50am

Police appealed for witnesses to send images and videos to help identify the attackers and piece together the chaos

The Met Police opened a casualty bureau for those concerned about family and friends who might have been caught up in the attacks. There are two numbers to call: 0800 096 1233 and 020 7158 0197

Did you see the London Bridge terror attack, or know anyone involved? Please contact The Sun newsdesk on 020 7782 4100, text 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk

Champ: Not on my watch

10 Martial arts expert Geoff Ho stepped in as tourists were stabbed in London Credit: Facebook

A MARTIAL arts expert hurt saving a bouncer said from intensive care he would not let the killers go unchecked “on my watch”.

Geoff Ho, 40, was stabbed in the neck after stepping in as two of the terrorists targeted the pub doorman.

He was seen in video footage clutching the bleeding wound as he was led from the Borough Market carnage by medics.

Geoff, who does kung fu and kickboxing, was recovering on Sunday.

10 Geoff Ho pictured with serious injuries after terror attack Credit: Ayes Gokkaya

He wrote on Facebook: “Don’t know whether it was stupid or noble to jump in and break up the fight outside the Southwark Tavern.

“But two a***s trying to do over the lone bouncer on the door isn’t happening on my watch.”

Pals began searching for Geoff — Business Editor of the Sunday Express — who went missing on a night out on Saturday. Isabelle Oderberg later tweeted: “We have found him. He is in intensive care.”

She added: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d have stood up and been counted.

“He’s just that type of person. It’s who Geoff is. That’s why we love him.”

Another friend, Elisa Roche, tweeted: “He is sitting up in hospital but can’t talk. Looks like he’s going to be ok.”

Arlo Jack Barry wrote to the hero: “I’m in awe of your bravery and hope to see you for a pint as soon as!”

Sunday Express editor Martin Townsend said: “Geoff Ho is a first class reporter and a fine and decent man.

“Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time. We are all hoping and praying for a speedy recovery.”

Aussie victims: Throat cut near artery

10 Candice Hedge survived after her throat was slashed in carnage near London Bridge Credit: Twitter

AN Australian woman told how she survived after her throat was slashed.

Candice Hedge, 31, was having dinner with her boyfriend after finishing a shift at Elliot’s restaurant in London Bridge when one of the three terrorists ran up behind her.

She said her attacker grabbed her from behind and ran his long knife across her throat. Luckily, the blade missed her major arteries and her windpipe.

10 Terrified Candice Hedge reveals how attackers grabbed her and ran knife along her throat Credit: Twitter

She wrote on Facebook: “Hey everyone, just so you know I’m doing OK. Bit of pain but I will survive. Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. Love to all.”

Candice is thought to be one of two Australians injured in the carnage.

An Australian tourist told how he was stabbed in the neck after drinking with friends.

10 Andrew suffered serious injuries during London Bridge terror attack

In a video posted online, the man called Andrew can be seen holding a bloodied gauze pad to his throat while he describes the moment a terrorist attacked him.

He said: “Walked outside, walked across the road and a fight breaks out and I’m like “s*** what’s going on here?’.

“I start to walk towards it and all of a sudden a guy comes up to me with a knife . . . stabs me . . . and I push him off, blood is going everywhere. He got me, but I dodged it. I ducked and weaved.”

Andrew told a man in the video that he was caught in the terror attack just hours before he was meant to leave the UK.

He said: “Mate, this is my last night in London and I’m supposed to fly back tomorrow.”

Aussie PM Malcolm Turnbull said his government would continue to provide every assistance it can to Australians and their families affected by “this shocking attack”.