Two men have been arrested after stealing a vehicle then driving at police officers and police dogs who pursued them, injuring an officer in the process in Woodford.
Police were called on Wednesday, 30 January at 03:37hrs to reports of vehicle being stolen from Fitzalan Road, N3.
Two officers from the Met’s Dog Support Unit (DSU) responded and managed to track down the vehicle driving on Woodford New Road, E18.
As they approached and turned on their blue lights, the suspect rammed into the police vehicle before driving off.
Officers pursued the vehicle which proceeded to drive into a dead end in Rokeby Gardens, IG8.
One officer exited his vehicle and approached the stolen car, but as he did the suspect drove at him. He was able to move out of the way, and used his baton to break the stolen vehicle’s window as it passed.
The suspect turned around in the dead end and drove directly at the police vehicle which was stationery, pushing it backwards some distance, before crashing into a garden nearby.
The driver of the vehicle – a 23-year-old male was subsequently arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and taking a vehicle and driving away (TDA).
Another occupant within the stolen vehicle fled, but was tracked and detained by a police dog shortly after in St Albans Road, IG8.
The 21-year-old passenger was arrested on suspicion of TDA and motor vehicle interference.
Both suspects have been taken to an east London police station where they remain in custody.
One male officer suffered an injury to his hand and abdomen. His injuries are not life-threatening.
Both intrepid Met police Dogs were uninjured and remain in normal duty.
Chief Superintendent Karen Findlay from the Met’s Taskforce said: “This is yet another example of the daily proactive and courageous work our Taskforce dog handlers carry out to tackle violent crime across London.
“On this occasion the two Police Constables who responded, and their trusted canine partners, went above and beyond to ensure these suspects were apprehended despite the violent efforts directed at them. These suspects deliberately drove the stolen vehicle at the dog van and officers to avoid capture.
“The officers showed significant levels of bravery and we are ensuring all the deserved support and welfare is in place.”