Knife 'attacker slashes four men' in middle of packed Leicester Square before security officers over power him - police initially nowhere to be seen

THIS was the dramatic moment that private security officers restrained and handcuffed a knifeman after he allegedly lashed out at members of the public and slashed four men in the middle of Leicester Square.

There were no police in eyeshot, despite it being one of the businest touris areas of the country, as a man believed to have been armed with two knives slashed at staff and security from one of the venues.

Staff from the venue called securiy officers from private firm My Local Bobby, which carries out 24/7 patrols of the area, at about 1:06am on Sunday, September 21, and police were also aletred.

Four My Local Bobby officers Pete, Amir, Charlie and Leo, were on the scene witin minutes and found the male suspect was already being restrained by members of the public and security staff from a club.

A security officer and manager from the club both had injuries to their face, while one also had an injured hand. Watch the video here.

One knife had already been discarded, but the suspect was still holding the other.

In footage filmed on their body-worn cameras, the security guards were heard demanding the suspect “drop the knife” and telling a crowd of onlookers to "get back" as they kept him on the ground.

Oneofficer secured the suspect’s back and head, another his hands, a third his legsd and the fourth delivered several strikes to his face, shouting "drop the knife" causing him to release the weapon.

The male was then placed in handcuffs.

Multiple police units, including plain-clothed Territorial Support Group officers, armed response, and London Ambulance Servive, arrived shortly after to secure the scene.

The cklub security oifficer was taken to hosptal with facial injuries.

The incident came a day after two of the same My Local Bobby officers received a police commendation after they helped save the life of a victim of another knife attack.

David McKelvey, CEO of My Local Bobby, said: "This was a volatile and dangerous situation, brought under control by decisive action from your Bobbies. A clear demonstration of Peelian policing in action – ‘calm heads before force’, ‘prevention over punishment’, and real policing on your doorstep.

“The Bobbies yet again showed incredible bravery and courage running towards danger, a knife-wielding suspect who had already stabbed one person and was threatening others.

"They detained the man after a violent struggle and recovered two dangerous knives, which he was using to attack the public.

"Their dedication and commitment to keeping their community safe is humbling.”

A Met Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 1:08ams on Sunday, 21 September to Leicester Square, Westminster to reports of a man with a knife threatening members of the public.

"Officers attended and found four men, aged in their 20s and 30s, with injuries. They are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

"A 50 year-old-man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, grievous bodily harm, affray and possession of a Class B drug. He has since been detained under the Mental Health Action.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online, quoting CAD 445/21SEP. Or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."