A police officer has been praised after tackling a samurai sword wielding man who launched a random attack on a young Italian woman in the street.
The sergeant, based in Islington, north London, went to the scene of the assault in Holloway Road early today to find the woman bleeding heavily on ground and a 25-year-old man brandishing a sword.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said the attacker made several attempts to injure the officer while chasing him along the road.
"The officer then turned, placing himself inside the samurai sword's arc and forced him to the ground, before arresting him. He remains in custody at this time," the spokesman added.
The woman, who is 22, suffered a number of wounds to the legs, arms and face, and was described as being in a serious, but not life-threatening condition in hospital.
Her parents have travelled from Italy to be with her.
A bag containing a crossbow, samurai-type swords, hunting knives and gas masks was seized from the suspect.
Detective Superintendent Steve Wallace said: "This was a vicious, unprovoked stranger attack on a defenceless woman and if it had not been for the officer's bravery and quick-thinking the woman and other members of the public could have been killed.
"It takes a very brave officer to tackle a man who you know wants to inflict serious injuries to you with a samurai sword.
"Courage such as this is above and beyond the call of duty and I can't commend the officer highly enough.
"The fact that the officer was unarmed and alone when he tackled the man only underlines his bravery.
"He recognised the threat posed by this man and in a conscious act, positioned himself between the suspect and the public to prevent anyone else being seriously injured.
"Thankfully, this type of incident is rare in London but the public should be reassured that our officers are willing to put themselves in danger to protect the public."
The flats where the incident happened were surrounded by police tape tonight.
Two police cars and a number of officers were also at the scene.
Local resident Steven Oltay, 19, said he thought he heard the attack take place from his flat nearby.
He said: "I was woken up last night by a woman screaming.
"Horrific screams, like an animal.
"I thought it was someone being murdered and almost ran out but decided against it."
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