Hero police officer praised for his bravery after facing gunman head on.

A Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection officer was yesterday praised for his incredible heroic actions after facing a gunman head on. Thanks to his swift intervention the man, who had pointed the gun directly at him, was arrested in Camden.

A video of the shocking incident showed the officer face the gunman, briefly wrestle him to the floor and then discharge his taser to arrest the suspect.

His actions were not only heroic but also removed another potentially dangerous situation from our streets.

The officer had been in pursuit of a vehicle at 7.38am after it had failed to stop. The vehicle then collided with street furniture on Harrington Square where the suspect then got out of the car and was challenged by the officer.

The man has since been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and has been taken to hospital before going into police custody.

The item was seized for specialist examination and was confirmed as a carbon dioxide powered air pistol.

It is very difficult to be able to distinguish the difference between a real firearm and a replica and when one is pointed at you it is practically impossible to tell the difference.

This officer’s actions are heroic and deserve countless praise. But he is a drop in the capital’s ocean on how many incidents there are that take place where officers run into danger without thinking to keep our streets safe.

Chief Superintendent Roy Smith said: “We are aware of a video circulating online and can assure the public we are taking care of the officer’s welfare.”

It is good to see the officer’s welfare is being supported as an incident such as this could have a long term impact on the officer’s mental health, something most of the public do not consider. We see officers on our streets and rely on them to deal with traumatic incidents when they arise. But what happens to them after and just how does an incident like this impact this officer?

Chief Supt Smith added:

“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.”

It is indeed a perfect example of bravery and the same way we are quick to criticise, it is right that we commend courageous actions such as this and reflect on how just how many others there will be across London today that we do not know about and go unnoticed as that is the work our officers do daily.

Just praise to this officer for his heroic actions.