Newly-qualified police officer stops armed robbery in just his underwear

‘I’m glad I was able to intervene in this case…although if it happens again, I hope I have more clothes on’

General view of Barnes High Street in southwest London. (Google)

A newly-qualified police officer has been praised for stopping an armed robbery – while wearing just his underwear.

The 29-year-old was off duty when he was woken by a disturbance near his home in Barnes, southwest London, at about 3.30am on Friday.

After realising an armed gang was attempting to break into the store, he “acted instantly” and ran into the street in just his boxer shorts to challenge them.

One of the suspects threw a pickaxe at the rookie officer, but he picked it up after it narrowly missed him and ran after them.

The four suspects managed to escape on mopeds but left behind a number of weapons including a pickaxe, sledgehammer and a chisel.

The PC, who only passed out from Hendon a fortnight ago and is based in the West Area Command Unit, said: “I’m glad I was able to intervene in this case…although if it happens again, I hope I have more clothes on.”

The 29-year-old new recruit, who has not been named, cut his foot on broken glass but was otherwise uninjured.

The shop window was damaged but the suspects did not manage to break in and steal any property.

Commander Sally Benatar, of the South West Borough Command Unit, said: “The bravery of this officer undoubtedly stopped the suspects from stealing anything from the premises.

“He is a brand new officer, merely days into his role as a PC and he should be very proud of his actions. I have spoken to him today to thank him for his outstanding efforts.

“This morning’s events go to show that police officers are never off duty and will always go above and beyond to help their community.”

No arrests have been made and police enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 991/31MAY19, call the South West Burglary Team on 07557 313 090, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.