The mother of a knife attack victim has praised a police officer in Hounslow for being "an exceptional human being".

Mary Creed had received a dreaded knock on the door one evening in mid-July to find two police officers at her door with the news her son had been stabbed and was fighting for his life.

In a touching letter sent to Hounslow borough commander Raj Kohli she expressed her eternal gratitude to PC Stuart O'Hara for his help, care and smile throughout the heart-wrenching night.

An excerpt from the letter says: “My heart was in pieces as you can imagine, it was PC Stuart O'Hara who helped me get through that night. He took such care of me, I will never forget him.

“He sat beside me as the Drs gave me updates on my son's progress, he brought me tea, he smiled at me often at moments when I thought I could take no more.

“He is an exceptional human being first and then police officer.”

Ms Creed also met with superintendent Raj Kokhi for a cup of tea and a chat.

The letter is believed to be in relation to a man in his 20s who was taken to hospital in a "critical" condition with stab wounds to his neck and chest in Richmond Road, Isleworth , shortly before midnight on July 14.

Residents in the area spoke of their shock in what they described was a safe neighbourhood.

The mother and son intend to meet all the police involved in saving the young man's life to thank them in person.