Officer who took on London Bridge attackers ‘would do same again’

The family of an off-duty police officer injured in the London Bridge terror attack have hailed his "immense bravery".

PC Charlie Guenigault was having a drink with friends after work on Saturday night when three men drove a van into pedestrians before conducting a stabbing spree.

Seeing a uniformed colleague and members of the public being assaulted, the Met Police officer – dressed in civilian clothes – fought the knifemen with his bare hands as they rampaged through Borough Market.

Despite being severely injured, the family of PC Guenigault said there was "no doubt" he would act in exactly the same way again.

The 25-year-old, an emergency response officer in Southwark Borough, is currently recovering in hospital in a stable condition.

In a statement, his family said: "We are extremely proud of Charlie who showed immense bravery on Saturday night.

"Our family has received numerous messages from friends, colleagues and people around the country sending Charlie good wishes and commending him for his actions.

"We are very grateful for this and it has provided us with a lot of comfort at this difficult time.

"Given the opportunity again, Charlie would no doubt do exactly the same if faced with the same situation; helping a fellow police officer in need and protecting the public.

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"He is immensely proud to work for the Metropolitan Police Service and serving the Southwark community, and this is an example of that.

"Charlie is described by his peers as a dedicated police officer, who is a diligent, hardworking and respected member of his team.

"We would ask for privacy at this time as we concentrate on Charlie’s recovery."

PC Guenigault joined the Met Police in 2014, with the force’s commissioner Cressida Dick having previously hailed his actions on Saturday night as "utterly heroic".

A British Transport Police officer was also hurt in the terror attack as he tackled terrorists Khuram Butt, Youssef Zaghba and Rachid Redouane armed with only his baton.

The unnamed officer, who was stabbed in the eye, said he "did everything" he could to stop the attackers.

He said he was "simply doing my job" and is "so sorry I couldn’t do more".

The officer is said to be "seriously unwell" in hospital as he battles injuries to his head, arm and leg.

(c) Sky News 2017: Officer who took on London Bridge attackers ‘would do same again’