A policeman has been praised for his bravery after he was stabbed by a shoplifter who was trying to steal a suit from a North Finchley menswear store.

PC Steven McGoff was also slashed across the chest and left arm when he tried to arrest a man who had already stabbed a shopkeeper in the stomach on the doorstep of Jake's menswear shop in High Road.

An arrest was eventually made with the help of two off-duty Territorial Support Group PCs, who also received minor injuries. Both stabbed men were taken to Barnet Hospital and PC McGoff underwent surgery.

"PC McGoff went to the assistance of members of the public who pointed out a suspect," said Superintendant David Bilson. "The officer knew him to be armed with a knife and to be attempting to flee from the scene of a stabbing. In attempting to arrest the suspect, the officer was himself violently assaulted and sustained serious injuries. There is no doubt that his actions prevented the risk of further harm to the public. Barnet Borough Police are very proud of his bravery and commitment to the community."

Usama Siddique, chairman of the Barnet reatil-watch group, said: "This is becoming a regular occurence in Barnet. It's not financially viable for small traders to have their own security but there is a need for it. However, CCTV will be in place soon in North Finchley, which will go some way towards improving security."

A 22-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to prevent arrest and the theft of goods to the value of £300.

July 17, 2002 18:30