WATCH: Motorcyclist saves police officers from shocking assault
Both officers were hospitalised following the incident
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54 years 8 monthsTHIS IS the shocking moment a member of the public was forced to intervene after a routine police traffic stop turned violent.
Posted by The UK Motorcycle Theft Protest Community on Facebook, the video shows two police officers attempt to restrain a trio of youths, who tried to make a runner following a routine traffic stop.
As the male officer struggles with one of the suspects on the ground, his female colleague tries to help, before another suspect jumps and kicks her in the head, knocking her to the ground where she narrowly avoids being run over by a bus.
Despite the officers clearly struggling, not one member of the public – including the laughing cameraman – steps in to help.
Finally, a man in a motorcycle helmet runs into the scene and helps to restrain one of the suspects, while his accomplice runs off.
A statement later released by the Metropolitan Police revealed that the detained suspect had been charged following the vicious attack on Saturday.
“A man has been arrested and charged after two police officers from the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command were assaulted during a routine traffic stop in south-west London,” it reads.
“At approximately 19:55hrs on Saturday, 17 November, the two police constables stopped a vehicle in Kingswood Rd, Merton SW19.
“The three occupants of the vehicle ran off. The officers managed to detain a 20-year-old man [A] before the other two suspects [B and C] returned and the officers were assaulted.
“‘A’ was arrested and subsequently charged with assault causing ABH and assault on an emergency services worker. He is further charged with driving without insurance and driving other than in accordance with a licence. He is Martin Payne, 20, (6.11.98) of Brighton Road, South Croydon.
“He will appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 November.
“The two officers were taken to a west London hospital. A female officer sustained head injuries and a male officer suffered cuts. They have both been discharged.
“Detectives from the South West Command Unit are investigating. “'B' and 'C' remain outstanding. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Merton via 101 quoting reference CAD 6952/17Nov.”