Samurai Sword Attack: Woman In Hospital

An unarmed police officer has tackled a man wielding a samurai sword who allegedly attacked a young woman at random in the street.

The sergeant, based in Islington, north London, went to the scene of the assault in Holloway Road early on Monday to find the woman bleeding heavily on the ground and a 25-year-old man brandishing the sword.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the alleged attacker made several attempts to injure the officer while chasing him along the road.

"The officer then turned, placing himself inside the samurai sword's arc and forced him to the ground, before arresting him," he said.

The woman, 22, suffered a number of wounds to the legs, arms and face and is in a serious but not life-threatening condition in hospital.

Her parents have travelled from Italy to be with her.

A bag containing a crossbow, samurai-type swords, hunting knives and gas masks were also seized from the suspect.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wallace said: "This was a vicious, unprovoked stranger attack on a defenceless woman and if it had not been for the officer's bravery and quick-thinking the woman and other members of the public could have been killed.

"It takes a very brave officer to tackle a man who you know wants to inflict serious injuries to you with a samurai sword.

"The fact that the officer was unarmed and alone when he tackled the man only underlines his bravery."

Flats where the attack took place have been cordoned off with police tape.

Resident Steven Oltay, 19, said he heard the attack take place.

"I was woken up by a woman screaming. Horrific screams, like an animal," he said.

"I thought it was someone being murdered and almost ran out but decided against it."