Police Officer Who Confronted Sword-Wielding Attacker Almost Lost Her Hand, Commissioner Says

"It's going to be a long journey to recovery," said Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley following the incident in London's Hainault area

A police officer almost lost her hand while responding to an attack by a sword-wielding man in London’s Hainault neighborhood.

While speaking on LBC Radio following the vicious Tuesday, April 30, attack, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley opened up about visiting the officer -- whose identity has not been released -- at the hospital.

"I was talking to the family and colleagues of the officer, woman officer, who [has] a really badly damaged arm, really seriously damaged, and the surgeon spent sort of many, many hours basically putting her arm back together," he said. "It's going to be a long journey to recovery."

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After being asked if reports stating that the female officer was close to losing her hand were accurate, Rowley answered, "That's not a million miles away. It's really horrifically serious injuries."

“Based on what the surgeon was saying yesterday we are increasingly optimistic with months and years and lots of physio a full recovery may be made possible,” Rowley added, per The Telegraph.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell previously announced that the female officer, along with another law enforcement officer, were in the hospital with stab wounds.

"Both require surgery and have significant injuries but these are not life-threatening," his press release read.

Two members of the public were also injured, in addition to a 14-year-old boy who died after being taken to the hospital after being stabbed, per the press release.

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The teen was identified as Daniel Anjorin in a Wednesday, May 1, press release. On the same day of the announcement, the department also shared that Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, 36, had been charged with his murder.

"Monzo has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article," a separate press release from the department reads.

“This is a complex investigation due to the number of crime scenes, forensic evidence, hours of CCTV footage and witnesses we need to speak to. I know that many people will want answers and we are working to provide them as soon as we can," said Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith in a press release statement.

"I would also echo previous calls for patience as my officers carry out a painstaking investigation to deliver justice for Daniel, his family, those injured and the wider community," his statement continued.

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Monzo is expected to appear at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Thursday, May 2.

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