Brave police officer saved woman's life by tackling maniac who slashed her with samurai sword



Woman is seriously hurt in random sword attack in north London

Ahla Timofei, 25, will appear in front of magistrates tomorrow



Police praised a lone officer who bravely tackled the man



Local residents described hearing the woman scream 'like an animal'



A man who attacked a woman with a samurai sword was tackled to the ground by a brave police officer.

After he was overpowered, a bag he was carrying was found to contain a bizarre arsenal, including a crossbow, samurai-type swords, hunting knives and gas masks.

An unarmed police sergeant, based in Islington, North London, went to the scene of the random assault in Holloway Road early yesterday to find the victim, a 22-year-old Italian, bleeding heavily on the ground and a man brandishing a sword.

Hoard: The terrifying collection of weapons discovered in the rucksack of the man who repeatedly slashed a woman in a random attack

Horror attack: A police picture of the samurai-type sword used to attack a 22-year-old woman in Holloway Road, north London. A 25-year-old man has been charged in connection with the attack

Scotland Yard said the officer chased the man along the road although the attacker made several attempts to injure him.

A spokesman said: ‘The officer then turned, placing himself inside the samurai sword’s arc, and forced him to the ground.

‘It takes a very brave officer to tackle a man who you know wants to inflict serious injuries to you with a samurai sword.

‘Courage such as this is above and beyond the call of duty.



‘I can’t commend the officer highly enough. The fact that he was unarmed and alone only underlines his bravery.’

Last night the woman, who suffered wounds to the legs, arms and face, was in a serious but not life-threatening condition in hospital.

Her parents have travelled from Italy to be with her.



Residents living close to the scene in Holloway Road, north London, described hearing a woman screaming 'like an animal' as she was slashed repeatedly with a two foot long sword.

Local resident Steven Oltay, 19, said he thought he heard the attack take place from his flat nearby.

Police cordon: The scene on Holloway Road close to the junction with Mercers Road was still closed off by police last night

Scene of the crime: The attack happened in Holloway Road, close to the junction with Mercers Road shortly after midnight

He said: 'I was woken up last night by a woman screaming. Horrific screams, like an animal.

'I thought it was someone being murdered and almost ran out but decided against it.'

Ahla Timofei, 25, of Marylebone, central London, is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court today charged with attempted murder.



