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Newly-qualified police officer chases off would-be raiders dressed in underwear

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.

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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."

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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."

PA

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