Newly-qualified police officer chases off would-be raiders dressed in underwear
An off-duty police officer has been praised after chasing off four armed raiders while dressed only in his boxer shorts.
The 29-year-old Met Police officer was awoken by a disturbance near his home in Barnes High Street, South London, at around 3.30am on Friday as four people tried smashing their way through the window of a jeweller.
The man, who the Met said it will not identify, only passed out two weeks ago.
He ran from his house but had a pick-axe thrown at him, he managed to dodge the tool before he picked it up and ran at the suspects who then fled the scene on mopeds.
The shop window was damaged, but no property was stolen.
The suspects left behind a number of tools including a pick-axe, sledgehammer and a chisel.
The officer, who cut his foot on broken glass but was not otherwise injured, has been praised for his heroic actions.
He said: "I'm glad I was able to intervene in this case... although if it happens again, I hope I have more clothes on."
Commander Sally Benatar, from the South West Borough Command Unit, said: "The bravery of this officer undoubtedly stopped the suspects from stealing anything from the premises.
"He is a brand new officer, merely days into his role as a Pc and he should be very proud of his actions. I have spoken to him today to thank him for his outstanding efforts."
