The Met has praised members of the public who provided assistance to a number of officers who were injured while carry out a drugs warrant in Barnet yesterday (Wednesday, 23 September).

At around 13:50hrs, officers attended an industrial unit in Dale Close, Barnet, to execute the warrant. As they did this, a substance – believed to be sulphuric acid – was dispersed resulting in 11 officers suffering apparent burn injuries.

All those injured, who were members of the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command, were taken to hospital for treatment and, although they have since been discharged, some will require further treatment. All are being supported by colleagues as they continue their recovery at home.

Chief Superintendent Roy Smith, the North West BCU Commander which covers Barnet, said:

“I want to pay tribute and pass on the thanks of the Metropolitan Police to the various members of the local community who came rushing to assist when our officers were in need. By providing water and opening their homes to allow first aid to be administered showed true compassion.

“When Sir Robert Peel found the Metropolitan Police in 1829 he said ‘the police are the public and the public are the police’ – this was a brilliant and humbling example that this remains as true in 2020 as it did in 1829.”

Commander Kyle Gordon, the Met lead for the Specialist Firearms Command, said:

“Our firearms colleagues showed immense bravery, as indeed all of our frontline colleagues do day-in day-out, in putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the people of London and remove harm and criminality from our communities. Thankfully, none of the 11 officers were seriously injured and they should all make a full recovery. We will continue to support them in any way they need, as they return to their work of keeping the capital safe.”

As a result of the operation, four men were arrested.

A  23 year old  was arrested on being concerned in the supply of class B drugs and GBH against police officers.

A 30 year old  was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class B drugs and GBH against police officers. Bothremain in custody.

A 21 year old was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class B drugs and GBH against police officers, but remains in hospital for treatment to burn injuries.

A 32 year old was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class B drugs and GBH against police officers but remains in hospital for treatment to a foot injury sustained during the operation.

Enquiries into the circumstances continue.

Following the incident the Directorate of Professional Standards was informed and made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The IOPC have launched an independent investigation into how the man came to sustain his foot injury.