Police officer applauded in street after disarming man in sword drama

 

 

A POLICEMAN received a round of spontaneous applause from onlookers on Friday after he disarmed a man walking down Finchley Road with a samurai sword in his hand.

 

It took a further six police officers to arrest the 37-year-old man, who struggled violently and was later found to also be in possession of kitchen knife. He has been bailed by police and is currently under section at a mental health unit. 

 

Police were alerted after passers-by spotted the man walking along the street with a sword in his right hand at around 1.40pm.

Police constable John Dunwell was the first officer on the scene and – fearing for the safety of the public – confronted the man. Blocking the man’s path with his car, he ordered him to put down the weapon before tackling him to the floor with the help of other officers.

 

PC Dunwell said: “Having risk-assessed the situation, I felt it was necessary to confront the man before he hurt himself, or someone else. He proved to be very strong and I’m just thankful to my colleagues for coming to my assistance so quickly.”

Six officers sustained minor injuries during the incident.