The family of the hero police officer who was repeatedly stabbed by a machete-wielding attacker in east London today said they were "incredibly proud of his bravery".
Stuart Outten is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the head and hand in an "unprovoked, repeated and brutal assault" in Leyton on Thursday.
Despite his serious injuries, the 28-year-old, who has been a serving officer with the Met for ten years, managed to pull his Taser and fire it into the knifeman.
Extraordinary footage shows PC Outten pinning down the suspect, before hurling the machete away from the man and using a radio to call his own ambulance.
Releasing a picture of the officer today, the family released a statement saying they were "thankful" that PC Outten was making a recovery, adding that his injuries could have killed him.
They added: "We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received from the public, Stuart’s colleagues and the wider policing family.
"We are incredibly proud of the bravery Stuart showed during the incident.
"His injuries could have been fatal and we are thankful that he is stable and recovering in hospital with his loved ones around him."
They added: "Stuart joined the Met straight from school and loves being a police officer and protecting the public.
"Although there are risks associated with his job, we would never have expected something like this to happen.
"We are so grateful to the London Ambulance Service paramedics and hospital staff for their care and compassion."
The statement was released as it emerged that PC Outten’s girlfriend, also a serving police officer, was one of the first colleagues sent to the scene to assist him.
She later told friends her “world fell apart” after learning of his attack.
Describing herself as a “third-generation cop”, she wrote on social media: “Heartbroken can’t even explain tonight’s events.
“My world fell apart. Words can’t fill the thoughts I feel. Best wishes everyone, keep safe and remember to always have your colleagues’ six [back].”
Earlier today, the man accused of trying to kill PC Outten appeared in court.
Muhammad Rodwan is charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The 56-year-old, from Luton, did not enter any pleas as he appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court on Friday morning.
District Crown prosecutor Varinder Hayre said he is accused of carrying out a "completely unprovoked, repeated and brutal attack with a machete on a police officer who was simply conducting his police officer duties on that day".
The incident prompted outrage from policing leaders and politicians, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan branding it a "sickening attack".
Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh added: "Police officers across London are out there every day at risk protecting the public - and sadly, yet again, a Metropolitan Police officer has suffered a severe injury on duty.
"Enough is enough. Police officers should be going home at the end of their shifts. Not to hospital."
Home Secretary Priti Patel also tweeted: "Absolutely horrified by the shocking stabbing of one of our brave police officers in Leyton.
"His courage in the face of danger shows how police put their lives on the line to protect us every day. I wish the officer a full recovery & my thoughts are with him."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered his "sympathies" to PC Outten, adding: "What this underscores for me is the bravery of our police, people who actually go towards danger to keep us safer."
The most recent police recorded crime figures released by the Office for National Statistics show there were more than 30,000 assaults on officers in England and Wales in 2018/19.
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