A Metropolitan Police officer has been praised for his “bravery and selflessness” after apprehending a man who pulled a ‘gun’ on him in broad daylight during Friday morning’s rush-hour in London.
Disturbing footage of the incident, posted by the London & UK Crime social media account, showed onlookers filming an altercation between a lone cop and an unnamed male. As the officer points his taser at the individual, the man pulls out what appears to be a firearm and aims at the officer.
The officer proceeds to run at the gunman and tackles him to the ground before arresting him.
Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, provided further context on the incident on Friday, explaining in a statement that a solo motorcycle officer had been pursuing a car in Camden, northwest London, shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Friday morning after it failed to stop.
Following the exchange, the driver of the car was detained and arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm. He was taken to hospital prior to going into police custody.
Officers later revealed that upon examination, the firearm pointed at the officer, unbeknownst to him at the time, is thought to be a replica. The officer was uninjured and there were no reports of any injuries to any members of the public, the statement confirmed.
Chief Superintendent Roy Smith said: “We are aware of a video circulating online and can assure the public we are taking care of the officer’s welfare.”
He praised the actions of the officer in question as “nothing short of incredible.
“He had no idea if the item being pointed at him was a replica or a lethal weapon and yet he maintained his composure and detained the suspect,” Smith added.
“Each day, police officers put on the uniform and put themselves in danger to protect Londoners. This is a perfect example of the bravery and selflessness that they exhibit so often.”
