A police officer has been praised for his bravery following a stand-off with an armed man. Watch the terrifying encounter below:
Shocking footage was shared on social media showing a Metropolitan Police officer in an altercation with an unnamed suspect, having chased him through Camden, North London, just before 8am this morning (4 February).
The officer was in pursuit of a vehicle when it crashed with street furniture in Mornington Crescent, at the junction with Harrington Square.
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In the tense video, which was filmed by witnesses, the officer can be seen gripping hold of the assailant and pulling him up from the floor.
As the man stumbles to his feet, the officer takes a few steps back, pulling out his taser and aiming it at the man.
The suspect then picks up a gun from the floor and points it back at the officer.
Acting quickly, the officer gets close to the man and grabs hold of him, throwing him to the ground, which is where the footage ends.
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Speaking to the Sun about the incident, a passer-by said: "I was walking down the road and I heard a crash. I turned round and saw that a car had crashed into the middle of the road.
"There was a police officer behind him. He got his taser out and told him not to get out of the car.
"But the guy really wanted to get away, he got out of his car and the police officer stopped him. It got physical.
"He pulled the gun and got him on the ground, then the police officer called for backup.
"Everybody was shocked, we didn’t even really realise what happened. Nobody even ducked or anything. We were all just frozen.
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"I stopped recording and called the police."
Since the footage was shared, the Met has confirmed that the man was arrested and taken to hospital before going to police custody.
The officer, who was uninjured, has been praised for his bravery.
It is thought that the gun was a replica, however, police are still examining it.
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Chief Superintendent Roy Smith, from the Met Police, said: "We are aware of a video circulating online and can assure the public we are taking care of the officer's welfare.
"His actions in the circumstances are nothing short of incredible. He had no idea if the item being pointed at him was a replica or a lethal weapon and yet he maintained his composure and detained the suspect.
"Each day police officers put on the uniform and put themselves in danger to protect Londoners.
"This is a perfect example of the bravery and selflessness that they exhibit so often."
Dominic Smithers