The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has defended the arrest of a stabbing suspect in Golders Green after officers were seen stomping on his head. In an open letter to Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who had criticized the police on social media, Sir Mark described the officers' actions as 'nothing short of extraordinary'.
Background of the Incident
Polanski had retweeted a post condemning police for 'repeatedly and violently kicking a mentally ill man in the head when he was already incapacitated by taser'. The post referred to the arrest of a terror suspect in Golders Green, where officers were attempting to get him to drop a knife.
Sir Mark Rowley's Response
In his letter, Sir Mark explained that the officers confronted a dangerous man believed to be a terrorist, who refused to show his hands, was violent, and continued to pose a clear threat. The officers were not armed and feared he might be concealing an explosive device. 'Using only their training, equipment and a substantial level of bravery and courage, they detained him while he continued to try and attack and stab them,' Sir Mark wrote.
He added: 'Apprehending violent and dangerous criminals is a full contact and messy task which may appear shocking to observers with little experience of policing in the real world.'
The commissioner emphasized that the officers' actions undoubtedly prevented further injury and saved lives. The incident remains under investigation, and further details are expected to emerge.
