Off-duty Met officer praised for bravery for protecting Ilford woman

An off-duty Met police officer bravely intervened to stop an assault on a woman on The Drive in Ilford, with the suspect now charged and in custody.

The officer, a chief inspector attached to the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, was driving past with a family member and got out to apprehend the alleged attacker on Sunday 17 March.

Both men were injured, with the officer sustaining serious arm and facial injuries during the incident and is receiving hospital treatment.

The suspect was arrested and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) and intentional strangulation, and is currently remanded in custody awaiting his first Crown Court appearance.

Chief Superintendent Richard Smith, who leads the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, said: "This officer put himself in harms' way to protect a vulnerable victim. He acted quickly, without back-up from colleagues, to stop someone being assaulted.

"He showed incredible bravery, and embodies what being a police officer is about - protecting and serving the public. We will offer the officer all the support we can as he recovers from his injury.”

Officers responding to a 999 call about the incident arrived minutes later, and they arrested a 19-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of making threats to kill and assault. He was later further arrested on suspicion of breaching court bail.

The woman did not require any hospital treatment, and she is being supported by officers.

+ The Met is committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls by building trust and confidence, targeting and relentlessly pursuing the most dangerous offenders, and creating safer spaces for women and girls.

Read our VAWG action plan to find out more.