Two youths on a moped who attacked a uniformed police officer with a hammer have been arrested in Twickenham.

Police were called to the underpass by Jubilee Avenue, in Whitton at 3.30pn yesterday (May 20) following reports of two men on a moped behaving suspiciously.

Officers attended and spotted the suspects.

They attempted to make off upon sighting police but were stopped from leaving the area by the two attending police officers.

At this point, one of the males on the moped produced a hammer and struck one of the police officers over the head causing a cut and bruising to the head.

Following this attack, the suspects both on one moped have driven off. Further police units attended and the suspects were detained nearby. Taser was used by police to help detain one of the suspects that was armed with the hammer.

A knife and clothing, suspected to have been discarded by the suspects as they fled were recovered nearby. A hammer was also found in their possession.

Both suspects – aged 16 and 18 - have been arrested on suspicion of GBH and taking a conveyance and taken to a south London police station for questioning. There are no other reported injuries.

The injured male police officer continues to receive treatment at a south London hospital.

Chief Superintendent Sally Benatar said: “These attending officers were brave and resilient in their efforts to stop these suspects. Even when presented with a dangerous weapon they acted in the best traditions of the Met and stood their ground. Their determination led to these armed suspects being arrested. I am very proud of them. We all wish the injured officer a speedy recovery and appeal for anyone who saw the suspects behaving suspiciously around the underpass by Jubilee Avenue or High Street, Whitton area to contact police.”

Anyone with information concerning these two suspects of saw them acting suspiciously around the underpass by Jubilee Ave today, Monday, 20 May is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 4500/20May or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.