Bow Road stabbing: Two arrests as seriously injured police officer remains in hospital

Police today made two arrests as an officer remained in hospital with serious injuries after he was stabbed in Bow.

A 20-year-old man and 34-year-old woman were detained this morning on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police said the officer remained in hospital today and was recovering well from his injuries.

The pair were arrested and taken into custody at separate east London police stations where they remained on Friday evening.

The plain clothes policeman, aged in his 40s, was allegedly stabbed repeatedly in the stomach by a gang on Tuesday.

He was knifed at least three times while on a covert operation targeting gangs in Bow.

Detectives believe the knife gang did not realise he was a police officer and had threatened a driver just moments before the attack.

The officer underwent major surgery but is said to be recovering well.

Detectives stepped up their appeal and said that just minutes before the attack a teenage gang had threatened a different man with a knife less than 500 metres away.

The motorist was in his car in Purdy Street, near to Devons Road DLR station, when a gang of three boys and one girl approached the car and threatened him at around 9pm.

Detectives believe the gang took the DLR train to Bow Church Station and started rowing with the police officer, before he was stabbed next to the Bow Bells pub on Bow Road at 9.22pm.

The gang then fled from the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, who is leading the investigation, said:"Whilst we have made two new arrests in our investigation I am continuing to appeal from any witnesses and information.

"We are still keen to hear from anyone that saw or heard anything in Bow Road at around 9.20pm on Tuesday, November 22nd.

"Fortunately, whilst our injured colleague remains in hospital with serious injuries, he is making good progress with his recovery, and we wish him well.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information are urged to contact the incident room on 020 8345 1572. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.