Horror when off-duty police officer was stabbed 'with large machete' | UK

Police are appealing for witnesses after an off-duty officer who tried to intervene in a robbery was stabbed in an “utterly horrific” attack in a busy shopping area.

Officers were called to the scene just outside the Luton Point shopping center on George Street at around 1.10pm yesterday (Saturday).

It is suspected that two men robbed a victim of his moped while brandishing a large knife or machete.

An off-duty Metropolitan Police Service police officer attempted to thwart the robbery and was attacked before the perpetrators left the scene, one on his moped and the other on the victim’s stolen moped.

Bedfordshire Police said the brave officer was taken to hospital where he was treated for injuries not considered life-threatening or life-changing.

Temporary Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic said: “The bravery of the off-duty officer is to be commended as, by putting himself in harm’s way, he undoubtedly helped prevent further harm to the public. Wanton violence of this level is completely abhorrent and has no place on the streets of our province.

“Thankfully, the officer is expected to make a full recovery, although this story could have ended very differently. I speak on behalf of the police and the wider public to thank him for his courage and selflessness in the line of duty. His actions were nothing short of heroic.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire John Tizard said: “This is one of many examples of police officers putting themselves at risk in the public interest and to protect members of the public. Selfless interventions like this and effective policing are vital to making the streets of Bedfordshire safer. .

“Even when off duty, this Met officer was willing to go into harm’s way to protect others. On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, I thank him for his courageous actions and wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.”

Police are calling on anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

The men are described as being in their early 20s. One wore a black jacket and black pants, the other a dark-colored jacket and gray sweatpants with a white stripe on the side.

Detective Inspector Jon Stow, from Luton CID, said: “This brutal attack took place in the middle of a busy area and must have been extremely frightening for anyone who witnessed it.

“We believe the victim of the original robbery left the scene on a bicycle and we are therefore particularly keen to identify him. We would also like to get in touch with anyone who was in the area at the time or knows anything about this crime.

“We are dedicating resources to this investigation to locate those responsible. We will also have a high visibility presence in Luton town center following this distressing incident and welcome all residents to come and speak to us if they have any concerns or would like to share information.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or via our online reporting tool, quoting Operation Schubert.