An off-duty Met officer was left injured in a machete attack after he attempted to foil a robbery outside a Luton shopping centre on Saturday afternoon.
The off-duty officer was injured after intervening while two men robbed a man of his moped while brandishing a large machete or knife at around 1.10pm, Bedfordshire Police said.
He was rushed to hospital where his condition is thought to be non-life threatening or life changing.
The two suspects fled from the scene on the stolen moped and another moped.
They are described as being in their early 20s. One was wearing a black jacket and trousers, the other was wearing a dark-coloured jacket and grey tracksuit bottoms with a white stripe down the side.
Police in the area commended the off-duty Met officer’s bravery, saying it “undoubtedly” prevented further harm to the public.
Bedfordshire temporary Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic said: “Wanton violence of this level is utterly appalling and has no place on the streets of our county.
“Thankfully, the officer is expected to make a full recovery, though this story could have been very different. I speak on behalf of the force and wider public in thanking him for his bravery and selflessness in the line of duty.
“His actions were nothing short of heroic.”
Police are now appealing for anyone with information about the broad daylight attack to come forward.
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: "This is one of many examples of police officers putting themselves at risk in the public interest and to protect members of the public.
“Selfless interventions like this and effective policing are critical to making Bedfordshire’s streets safer.
"Even when off duty, this Met officer was ready to step into danger to protect others. On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire I thank him for his courageous action, and wish him all the best for a speedy recovery."
Detectives described the robbery as “extremely frightening for all those who witnessed it”.
Detective Inspector Jon Stow said officers were particularly keen to trace the victim of the original moped robbery who is thought to have left the scene.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or knows anything about this offence,” he said.
“We are dedicating resources to this investigation to locate the individuals responsible. We will also maintain a high visibility presence in Luton town centre after this distressing incident and would welcome any residents to come and speak to us if they have concerns or information to share.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or via our online reporting tool, quoting Operation Schubert.
