Leyton machete attack: First picture of hero police officer who Tasered and arrested thug who assaulted him

Matilda Long
·Data and Politics News Editor, Yahoo News UK
Updated
Stuart Outten was attacked with a machete in Leyton, East London (Met Police)
Stuart Outten was attacked with a machete in Leyton, East London (Met Police)

The first picture of the hero police officer who Tasered and arrested a man who viciously attacked him with a machete in east London has been released by the Met Police.

Stuart Outten managed to Taser Muhammad Rodwan even after being slashed in the head and hands in the vicious assault in Leyton, East London.

Pc Outten was treated by colleagues and paramedics in Leyton High Road before being taken to hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

He was treated for a wound to the side of his head, requiring stitches, and needs an operation to a hand injury he suffered while trying to fend off the attack.

Handout screengrab from video of police and ambulance services treating someone at the scene in Leyton, east London, where an officer was stabbed shortly before midnight after attempting to stop a van.
Police and ambulance services treat the victim at the scene in Leyton, east London, where an officer was stabbed shortly before midnight after attempting to stop a van.
Pc Stuart Outten, who was injured during an incident in Leyton, east London, just after midnight on Thursday.
Pc Stuart Outten, who was injured during an incident in Leyton, east London, just after midnight on Thursday.

Rodwan, 56, has been charged with the attempted murder of Pc Outten, 28, and possession of an offensive weapon.

He appeared in court today, and was brought into the dock wearing handcuffs before speaking to confirm his name, date of birth, that he has no address, and that his nationality is British.

Rodwan showed no emotion as he sat staring straight ahead during the brief hearing, which lasted around four minutes.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Muhammad Rodwan, 56, appearing at Thames Magistrates' Court charged with the attempted murder of Pc Stuart Outten, 28, and possession of an offensive weapon following an incident in Leyton, east London, just after midnight on Thursday.
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Muhammad Rodwan, 56, appearing at Thames Magistrates' Court charged with the attempted murder of Pc Stuart Outten, 28, and possession of an offensive weapon.

In a statement, the victim’s family said they were ‘incredibly proud’ of his bravery.

The statement said: “Stuart joined the Met straight from school and loves being a police officer and protecting the public.

“Although there are risks associated with his job, we would never have expected something like this to happen.

”We are so grateful to the London Ambulance Service paramedics and hospital staff for their care and compassion.”

Pc Outten stopped Rodwan’s van at around midnight on Wednesday, suspecting he was driving without insurance.

Rodwan then launched an ‘unprovoked and frenzied’ attack on the police officer.

The incident prompted outrage from policing leaders and politicians, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan branding it a “sickening attack”.

Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said: “Police officers across London are out there every day at risk protecting the public – and sadly, yet again, a Metropolitan Police officer has suffered a severe injury on duty.

“Enough is enough. Police officers should be going home at the end of their shifts. Not to hospital.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “Absolutely horrified by the shocking stabbing of one of our brave police officers in Leyton.

“His courage in the face of danger shows how police put their lives on the line to protect us every day. I wish the officer a full recovery & my thoughts are with him.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered his “sympathies” to Pc Outten, adding: “What this underscores for me is the bravery of our police, people who actually go towards danger to keep us safer.”