It took 22 minutes to stop the man who went on the attack at Hainault underground station in north-east London on Tuesday.
During that time, two police officers were injured during the operation – one very seriously.
– The surgeon spent several hours basically putting the arm back together, says Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan police.
A 14-year-old boy was killed and four others injured when a man attacked with a sword in Hainault, two of whom were police officers who intervened.
“Very badly injured”
According to the British police, both have received injuries to the arm. For the one police officer, the injuries are described as “terribly serious” and it was not far from her losing her hand completely.
– I spoke to the family and colleagues of the female police officer who has a very badly injured arm. The surgeon spent several hours basically putting her arm back together, said Sir Mark Rowley, chief of the Metropolitan police, according to Sky News.
He says that he also visited the other injured police officer before the operation.
– He was in good spirits. But I think the morphine played a role to be honest.
Haven’t been able to question the man
For the other two who were injured, the situation is said to be serious, but not life-threatening.
It is still unclear what the motive behind the attack was. The suspected perpetrator has not been able to be questioned due to the injuries he sustained during the arrest.
According to the police, however, it does not appear to be a terrorist-related act or aimed at any specific target.