The policeman injured in a machete attack in east London earlier this week has been identified as PC Stuart Outten, whose family have said they are 'incredibly proud' of his bravery.
A man accused of attempting to kill the policeman appeared in court today (Friday 9 August), following the incident in Leyton.
Muhammad Rodwan, 56, has been charged with the attempted murder of PC Stuart Outten, 28, who is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
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Rodwan, formerly of Luton in Bedfordshire, is also accused possession of a machete.
Outten had been stabbed during the machete attack while trying to stop a van in east London just after midnight on Thursday. He managed to taser his attacker, but ended up getting struck in the head and body.
Rodwan appeared in handcuffs wearing a grey prison tracksuit at Thames Magistrates' Court. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey in four weeks' time.
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He showed little emotion throughout the hearing, and spoke only to confirm his name, age, his British nationality and that he had no address.
District Crown Prosecutor Varinder Hayre said: "It was an unexpected, unprovoked, repeated brutal attack with a machete on a police officer who was simply conducting a police officer's duty."
No application for bail was made during the 10-minute hearing, and Deputy District Judge Adrian Turner remanded the defendant in custody until 6 September.
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PC Outten, meanwhile, is still in hospital in a serious but stable condition. The Met Police have said his injuries are 'not believed to be life-threatening'.
His family issued a media statement earlier today, saying: "We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received from the public, Stuart's colleagues and the wider policing family.
"We are incredibly proud of the bravery Stuart showed during the incident. His injuries could have been fatal and we are thankful that he is stable and recovering in hospital with his loved ones around him."
They explained Otten had joined the Met Police force straight from school and enjoys both his role and protecting the public.
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"Although there are risks associated with his job, we would never have expected something like this to happen," they added.
"We are so grateful to the London Ambulance Service paramedics and hospital staff for their care and compassion."
Featured Image Credit: SWNS