Sergeant Jack Taylor has spoken out after confronting a knife-wielding man during a violent incident in Tower Hamlets.
Ambushed with a Knife
Officers responded to reports of a burglary and assault, where a man had threatened a member of the public with a knife. As Sgt Taylor gave details over the radio, he heard colleagues were already in pursuit. “We raced to our car to join the pursuit. I saw an opportunity and jumped out of the van. I caught up to him and he turned around, threatening me with the knife.”
The man slashed at Taylor, leaving a two-inch wound. “I put my hands up to protect myself. I thought about grabbing his arm but there was no time. I couldn’t step back because of the road behind me. It was a sudden shock – I hadn’t seen the knife until then.”
Pursuit Despite Injury
Despite the injury, Taylor didn’t stop. “I knew if I stopped at that moment, it might give the suspect a chance to get away.” He chased the man towards a residential area. “Ayan used her Taser but it didn’t stop him. He discarded the knife and we detained him in handcuffs. We later found the knife in a bush.”
Reflecting on the Incident
“I don’t consider myself brave, but my colleagues are. Watching the Body Worn Video back, yes, it was brave – but I couldn’t have done it any other way. I was lucky; the knife just missed my artery.”
Pride in Policing
Taylor added: “It’s intense being a response officer, but it’s one of the most important jobs in the Met. Victims remember the first officer they see – how they’re treated matters. I always wanted to make a difference. It’s not about being strong, it’s about compassion.”
