Met Police officers awarded for stopping hammer attacker

Two Metropolitan Police officers have been honored for their bravery after arresting a man who was attacking people with a sledgehammer in Leyton, London. PCs Aaron Prayter and Alfie Challis received the first London Police Bravery Award for their actions during a dangerous incident on September 13, 2021. The officers responded to an emergency call when a man entered a tyre shop and began assaulting a customer. CCTV footage captured the attacker violently stamping on the man’s head and stealing his bag. When Officer Prayter arrived, he provided first aid while Officer Challis searched for the suspect. A witness directed them to a nearby corner shop, where they found the shopkeeper being attacked. Officer Challis quickly intervened, pulling the suspect off the shopkeeper. The attacker dropped the weapon, and the officers arrested him for attempted murder. They later discovered he had also robbed a young woman earlier that day. The attacker received an indefinite hospital order due to his mental health issues. Both officers expressed gratitude for the award, with Officer Prayter emphasizing that they simply did their job. Matt Cane, the general secretary of the Met Police Federation, praised their courage in handling a dangerous situation. Officers Prayter and Challis will officially receive their awards at a ceremony on April 3, 2025.