A police officer is in a critical condition after being stabbed "a number of times" with a machete in east London.

The injured officer was able to draw his taser and subdue the suspect to protect himself from further harm, the Metropolitan Police said.

A second officer was then able to arrest the man at the scene in Leyton.

The injured policeman, who is in his 30s, was taken to hospital by ambulance.

His condition is described as critical but stable.


The two officers had signalled for a van to stop at the Coopers Lane junction with Leyton High Road before the attack shortly after midnight on Thursday.

The driver, in his fifties, initially failed to stop before pulling over a short while later.

He unleashed the attack after stepping out of the van to speak with the officers.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken to an east London police station for questioning.

He did not require hospital treatment and the second officer did not suffer any injuries.

Image: A crime scene was still in place in Leyton in the early hours of Thursday morning

The Met has said it is not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.

A crime scene was still in place in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Police have said there is nothing to suggest the attack was terror-related.

Inspector Julia James said: "This was a sudden and brutal attack on a uniformed officer carrying out their duties.

"What began as a routine vehicle stop has transformed very quickly and unexpectedly into an unprovoked attack with a weapon.

"Our thoughts are with the injured officer and his family and we wish him a full recovery. I would like to commend his bravery and resilience especially as he managed to draw a taser, despite being repeatedly stabbed, to prevent the suspect harming anyone else and to protect himself from further injury."

:: Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police via 101 quoting CAD3/8August or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.