Two heroic Met officers have been praised after a stolen car sped backwards into their police vehicle — but they refused to back down.
Close Call on Somerton Street
On Saturday 24 January, PC Angel De Melo and PC Rishav Neupane were on patrol in Barnet when they spotted a Land Rover Defender reported stolen.
Following the suspect, the officers brought their vehicle to a stop behind the Defender on Somerton Street.
Suddenly, without warning, the driver slammed the car into reverse and charged straight at the stationary police car.
The Defender mounted the bonnet, crushed the windscreen, pinned the officers in their seats, and flipped onto its side.
Heroes in Harm’s Way
PC De Melo, front passenger at the time, recalled the terrifying moment:
“The wheel was directly in line with my face. I braced for impact as it came towards us. Then, shattered glass sprayed everywhere. I thought – this is it.”
PC Neupane, the driver, said:
“I’ve been rammed before, but nothing like this. I heard the windscreen crush under the tyres and feared Angel would be crushed.”
Chasing Down Danger
Miraculously, neither officer was seriously hurt. They leapt from the wrecked car, confronted the driver, and pursued him on foot after he tried to flee.
The chase ended with the suspect’s arrest — thanks to the officers’ fearless determination.
Chief Superintendent Hails ‘Extraordinary Heroism’
Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, overseeing policing in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea, praised their actions:
“This is policing at its very best: teamwork, resilience, and bravery under genuine threat. They were inches from serious harm but kept their cool to make the arrest.”
She added:
“Vehicle attacks remain a deadly risk. Yet our officers meet this danger with unmatched professionalism and courage every day.”
This nail-biting incident is a sober reminder of the daily risks police face protecting the public — and their unwavering commitment to keep us safe.
