THE manager of a halal butchers said he was “shocked” by an attack on four police officers in Kingsbury on Saturday.

Three Metropolitan Police officers needed surgery after being injured by a man outside Kingsbury Halal Butchers, in Kingsbury Road.

The fourth officer, who suffered a broken hand, was discharged from hospital on Saturday afternoon.

Mohammad Qasim, 51, owner of Kingsbury Halal Butchers, has owned the shop for 24 years. He said: “Everybody including family, friends and customers have been asking how we are after this.

“Everyone wants to know what happened. We’ve been talking with the police about it. Three out of the four staff were here working that day and we were busy as all Saturdays are for us.

"I was shocked at what happened and it was sad that the police officers got hurt.”

Harrow Council leader, Councillor Bill Stephenson, today said: “The incident on Saturday, while thankfully a very rare event in our borough, shows what an outstanding job our brave and courageous police officers do.

“Harrow residents are incredibly grateful to those officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.

“Our thoughts are with the police officers who were injured, and also with their families and friends. We wish them a speedy recovery.”

  • Christopher Houghton, 32, of Milford Gardens, Wembley, was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning in connection with the incident.