THE TWO officers brutally stabbed in Ealing Broadway while police were checking a bus for fare dodgers have been named.
PC Paul Madden (pictured) was the officer most seriously hurt. The 23-year-old was knifed in the neck at about 3pm on Wednesday and is in a serious but stable condition after undergoing an operation the night of the attack.
He has been working for Ealing Police since September last year. He was posted there after his initial training in Hendon and is still completing his probationary period on the response team.
The other injured officer, PCSO Piotr Dolata, suffered head wounds but was discharged from hospital by the following day.
Borough Andy Rowell has spoken to reassure the public and pay tribute to the injured officers and those who came to their aid.
He said: "We would like to reinforce the message that while this incident is indeed shocking, it is very rare. This has obviously happened at a time when the Broadway is very busy, with shoppers and people celebrating the festive season and we'll be conducting extra patrols in the area and on the buses to provide reassurance.
"If anyone has concerns regarding the incident I would ask them to speak to their safer neighbourhoods team. Secondly, I would like to thank all the members of the public who have contacted the station to offer their support, thanks and best wishes to the injured officers and all our staff who have been affected by this incident. The overwhelming response has been very comforting to all of us and will be passed onto the officers and their families.
"I would lastly like to commend the two injured officers for their bravery and actions at the scene, as well as the other officers that were in attendance and members of public who went to help them.
"Both officers are highly regarded and it truly does show the close relationship the officers have on the borough, as well as the public support of the work that we do."
A suspect John Paul Onyenaychi of Stratford, East London, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and a further charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm against PCSO Steven Constable.
The unemployed 30-year-old appeared at Brent Magistrates' Court today and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on March 25.
