This is the dramatic moment a ‘heroic’ group of off-duty police officers who were enjoying a drink raced into action to stop a knife attack.
Joseph Jimenez, 20, from north London, appeared at Croydon Crown Court today, having previously pleaded guilty to the attack, which took place on July 21 last year.
The clip shows a man, who had been struck over the head, on the floor, with the offender towering over him, repeatedly trying to slash him with a large knife.
As it Happened
A group of officers from the Gangs & Pro-Active Team in the Central South Command Unit were socialising after work together at a bar in Elephant Park, when they noticed the altercation.
They then rushed towards the pair, as the offender threw the knife at them. Jimenez was tackled by an officer and was arrested at the scene.
Officers administered first aid to the victim and he was taken to hospital for treatment for a head injury.
An investigation was launched and the Met recovered CCTV and witness accounts, which would later leave the suspect with no choice but to plead guilty.
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Court Ruling
He was charged on 22 July 2023 and remanded in custody.
Jimenez was sentenced to eight month’s imprisonment for possession of a bladed article and four months’ imprisonment for affray. The sentences will run currently at a young offenders’ institute.
Statement From Police
Detective Inspector Jon Summers said: ‘The team had finished a long, hard week at work and were enjoying some well-earned down time together when the events unfolded.
‘They had been off-duty and were without any form of protective equipment such as batons or PAVA spray, or a police radio. Still they intervened, working tactically together in coordinating their approach to close off the suspect’s possible escape route, and swiftly arrested him.
‘The heroism shown by these officers is nothing short of exceptional. They placed themselves at real risk of serious injury in order to prevent serious harm and to apprehend an offender. It is actions such as these that demonstrate the true heart and soul of the Met.’
