Police officer seriously injured in balcony attack in east London

Two police officers have been rushed to hospital after being confronted during an incident on a balcony in east London.

Members of the Metropolitan Police force were responding to reports of a man attempting to force his way into a property on the De Beauvoir Estate in Hackney. 

The person who placed the call said the individual appeared to be suffering from some sort of mental health crisis. 

Police say the officers were then confronted on the balcony of the estate, with both being taken to hospital not long after. 

One was described as having been seriously injured, with their colleague also requiring treatment 

The man fled the scene, where a knife was also recovered. 

Police are urgently trying to trace the man’s movements and whereabouts. 

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, Basic Command Unit (BCU) commander for Central East Area, said: ‘This incident is once again, an example of the very real dangers our officers can be confronted with, at any time, as they ultimately work to protect and serve our communities.

‘It is entirely unacceptable that officers who are doing their job and conducting reasonable and legitimate enquiries should be assaulted in this disgraceful way.

‘We will ensure that both officers involved in this incident, who showed great bravery and professionalism, will receive the continuing support they need and deserve.

‘Meanwhile, our detectives are leading the investigation to find the person responsible.’

It follows after Metro UK broke news on Thursday of three prison officers being stabbed with a makeshift blade in an attack at HMP Belmarsh on Thursday.

Meanwhile, an off-duty police officer was shot by masked men in Northern Ireland two weeks ago. An attempted murder investigation is ongoing. 

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