It happened on Lynette Avenue in Clapham (Picture: Google)

A man tried to stab a female police officer ‘at least twice’ in the stomach as he tried to escape.

The attack in Clapham just after 9pm last night ‘could have easily had devastating consequences’, police said.

He has now been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police said they were called to reports of a disturbance at an address in Lynette Avenue, South London.


Officers found the man, 35, and spoke to him at the scene.

As he tried to leave, he pulled out two knives and tried to stab the officer, who Tasered him before pursuing him along with colleagues.

The police officer completed her shift after the attack (Picture: Getty)

She did not require hospital treatment and finished her shift after the attack.



The man was arrested at nearby Clapham Common on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon and a public order offence. He remains in custody at a south London police station.

Police said they are still trying to find the knives that he discarded between Lynette Avenue and Clapham Common.

Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger of the Central South Command Unit said: ‘This was a truly shocking incident that could have easily had devastating consequences and I have no doubt that the intentions of this man were to seriously harm one of our colleagues.

‘It is a testament to her bravery that, despite the attack, this officer – along with her colleagues – remained focused in detaining and disarming a dangerous man.

‘She then completed her shift and, having spoken to her, she’ll be back helping keep the streets of south London safe once again today.

‘Importantly, it also demonstrates how effective, and unfortunately necessary, a police officer’s protective equipment is as this has potentially saved her life.’

Got a story for Metro.co.uk? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page.