Attack on two Hackney police officers condemned amid warnings of ‘escalating danger’

An attack on two police officers attending reports of an alleged assault on Frampton Park Road attracted widespread condemnation last night.

Officers were approached for help by a member of the public claiming to have been assaulted on Wednesday afternoon, who pointed out their alleged attacker.

The Metropolitan Police said that when an officer tried to speak with those involved, one man resisted, after which: “A struggle ensued. A number of other people became involved whilst the officer was on the ground.”

Footage circulating on social media appears to show a male officer attempting to restrain a man, when both men fall to the ground.

As the officer and suspect grapple on the pavement, members of the public begin filming and taking selfies.

A female officer tried to keep people away from what was happening and suffered injuries herself. More officers subsequently arrived and two men, aged 20 and 38, are now in custody having been arrested on suspicion of assault on police.

The Met have confirmed that both officers suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

In a public statement on social media, Hackney Police’s Borough Commander Marcus Barnett said: “This is truly despicable and society should never accept such behaviour – we are here to protect you!

“The officers are safe, but clearly shaken and incredibly brave too. Arrests will be made […] this must stop.”

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville swiftly condemned the attack, adding that racist comments he had seen people make about the incident were “also unacceptable and an attack not just on Hackney’s diverse communities, but also the Hackney Police, who, as this video shows, are also diverse public servants.”

Glanville added: “Anyone seeing these videos tonight will be as shocked and horrified as I am by this attack on two Hackney police officers. My thoughts are with both officers and praise their bravery when faced with this situation. Our police are here to protect us and scenes like this are unacceptable.”

In reaction to the video, the Metropolitan Police Federation has said that a “dangerous narrative” is emerging that British police officers are “the bad guys/girls”, adding: “We are not. We are just trying to keep people safe and do our difficult job of upholding the law. We need the public to come with us. There is no excuse for violence against our colleagues.”

Federation chair Ken Marsh also called on politicians, the public and the media to support police officers, adding that while officers’ performance of “heroic acts […] day in and day out” is underreported.

Marsh said: “This starkly shows the dangers the Metropolitan Police face and the bravery they show each and every day keeping Londoners safe.

“On this occasion our colleagues are thankfully only reporting minor injuries – but the reality is it could have been much worse. We are not society’s punchbags. We have families we want to go home to at the end of every shift. But the dangers are stark. And seemingly escalating.”

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from national political figures.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Sickening, shocking and disgraceful. My thoughts are with the outstanding officers who were subject to this disgusting violent attack.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I utterly condemn the disgraceful attack on two Metropolitan Police officers this afternoon.

“These brave officers were doing their duty and assisting the public. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and former Deputy Mayor of Hackney Sophie Linden said: “Shocking. Really awful to see this – there is nothing that can excuse attacking officers who work tirelessly to protect us. It cannot be tolerated.”