Police officers battled to overcome sword attacker who had already murdered a teenager, saving other members of the public.

On April 20 last year, Marcus Arduini Monzo crashed a van into a house in Hainault, East London, hitting a pedestrian, before leaving the vehicle brandishing a 60cm samurai-style sword.

He next launched a frenzied attack on teenager Daniel Anjorin, who had left his house moments before to go to school. The 14-year-old died at the scene from injuries to his neck and chest. Monzo also attacked an ambulance, forcing paramedics to retreat.

PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield and PC Cameron King were the first police officers to confront Monzo, chasing him down an alleyway. He attacked PC Mechem-Whitfield with the sword, causing catastrophic arm injuries that nearly severed her hand. 

Despite having no Taser, and with his pepper spray having run out, PC King drew his baton and stood between Monzo and his stricken colleague. 

Monzo ran off, and was cornered on a driveway by other officers. With pepper spray having no effect, Inspector Moloy Campbell, who had rushed to the scene from his station’s morning briefing and did not have his Taser as a result, also turned to his baton.

Shocking footage shows Monzo attacking him with the sword, slicing through his body camera and his hand, almost severing his thumb. After Insp Campbell’s intervention, other officers were able to deploy multiple Taser charges and finally subdue the killer.

Kirsty O’Connor from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The courage shown by PC Mechem-Whitfield, PC King, Inspector Campbell and others who selflessly sought to apprehend Arduini-Monzo whilst facing extreme personal danger was exceptional and undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.”

What the judges said: “This was a tragic day, but without the incredible courage of these police officers, there would undoubtedly have been more lives lost and more families devastated. Their bravery was simply awe-inspiring.”