A Metropolitan Police officer who was stabbed and pursued her attacker across Clapham Common has been nominated for The National Police Bravery Awards.

In October 2019 Sergeant Natalie Markham, a PC at the time, responded to calls of a man making threats to stab and kill at a hostel in Clapham.

Sgt Markham approached the suspect, Julian Peters, on the pavement outside the hostel with her colleague PC Nej Diker.

Peters threatened to eat the officers and became increasingly agitated before attempting to back away from them.

As Sgt Markham attempted to stop him fleeing, Peters drew two large knives and tried to stab her in the stomach.

"I tried to detain him by holding his shoulder," said Sgt Markham.

"That is when he produced two knives from his back waistband, and swung at me probably about four or five times."

"I drew my Taser and I gave him a red dot challenge, which, in my defense, was crazy considering he had just tried to stab me. So I could have just Tasered him straightaway, but I actually gave him the opportunity to drop the knives."

When he would not comply and Sgt Markham fired her Taser, Peters made off across Clapham Common, posing a significant danger to members of the public.

Markham, who was saved from serious injury by her body armour, set off in pursuit with PC Diker, before guiding in other teams to make the arrest on the Common.

Julian Peters was convicted of the attempted murder of Sgt Markham at Kingston Crown Court in December 2020 and sentenced to a Hospital Order.

Metropolitan Police Federation Chairman Ken Marsh said Sgt Markham showed amazing courage and tenacity.

"This was a dynamic and dangerous incident which unfolded in a matter of seconds," said Ken.

"Natalie realised Peters was a clear danger – it was only her body armour which prevented her from receiving serious injury – and in the best traditions of policing she was not going to let him get away and potentially harm a member of the public.

"What a fantastic police officer she is and a very worthy nominee. She's shown real professionalism during what must have been a terrifying incident and we're extremely proud of what Natalie did that day."

Sgt Markham added: "The aftermath of it was overwhelming from the amount of support you get from your colleagues and your bosses. That was very emotional. Just thinking back to, actually, what could have been… I could have died or something really serious could have happened.

"I would like to say that my guv'nor – Insp Miles Lawrie – was outstanding. The senior leadership team, at Brixton and Peckham couldn't have been any better."

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