Single Policeman Armed With Just a Baton Who Fought London Bridge Attackers Hailed as Hero
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A British Transport Police officer is being hailed as a hero today after courageously confronting armed attackers during the terrorist incident that took place on Saturday.
According to the Independent, one of the first responders to the terror attack at London Bridge over the weekend attempted to thwart the attackers armed only with his baton. The attackers rammed into crowds with a large van, and armed with knives. They began stabbing pedestrians trying to flee the scene.
The policeman, risking his own life, sustained multiple injuries in defending innocent lives. Later, other first responders shot and killed the attackers.
“Having visited the officer in hospital shortly after he was admitted for treatment, I was able to hear his account of what happened last night,” said chief constable Paul Crowther. “It became clear that he showed enormous courage in the face of danger, as did many others who were at the scene and rushed to help.”
The Independent reported that the unidentified British Transport Police officer sustained stab wounds. The injuries were to his face, head, and leg when confronting the men. The officer is now in stable condition, according to reports.
“Although he is seriously unwell, he was able to recount how he faced the attackers armed only with his baton, outside London Bridge station,” Crowther said. “For an officer who only joined us less than two years ago, the bravery he showed was outstanding and makes me extremely proud.”
In total, seven people lost their lives in the attack and another 48 were injured. CNN reports 11 people have been detained in raids in connection with the attack.
The officer wasn’t the only hero of the night.
39-year-old Ignacio Echeverría reportedly helped a woman who was stabbed. Echeverría rushed to help the woman using his skateboard to fend off the terrorist. Echeverría has not been seen since the attack, the BBC reports. He has not been listed as one of the deceased, though police have not made public all seven names.
Another hero of the incident was an off-duty policeman who was stabbed after tackling one of the attackers. The off-duty officer remains in critical condition. No other information about this officer has been released.
Terrorism seeks to make people fearful and divide us. These acts of courage remind us that love will always triumph in the wake of such events.
