A ‘heroic’ off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was stabbed in a shopping center while trying to intervene in a terrifying armed robbery.

Two men stole a moped outside Luton Point yesterday afternoon when the officer became involved and was attacked by thugs brandishing a large knife or machete.

He was taken to the hospital for treatment for injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Officers were called to the scene at around 1.10pm on Saturday, where the two robbers fled the scene, one of them on the stolen moped, Bedfordshire Police said.

Both offenders were thought to be in their 20s. One was wearing a black jacket and pants, the other was wearing a dark-colored jacket and gray sweatpants with a white stripe down the side.

An off-duty police officer was stabbed outside Luton Point shopping center after intervening in an armed robbery on Saturday afternoon.

Acting Police Chief Dan Vajzovic said: “The off-duty officer’s bravery is to be commended as, by putting himself in harm’s way, he undoubtedly helped prevent further harm to the public.” Rampant violence of this level is absolutely atrocious and has no place on the streets of our county.

“Fortunately, the officer is expected to make a full recovery, although this story could have been very different. I speak on behalf of the force and the wider public to thank him for his bravery and selflessness in the line of duty. His actions “They were nothing short of heroic.”

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: “This is one of many examples of police officers putting themselves at risk in the public interest and to protect members of the public.” Selfless interventions like this and effective policing are key to making Bedfordshire’s streets safer.

‘Even when off duty, this Met officer was ready to put himself in harm’s way to protect others. On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, I thank you for your brave action and wish you all the best for a speedy recovery.’

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Emergency services at the scene in Luton. The officer was taken to the hospital where he remains with non-life-threatening injuries.

Detective Inspector Jon Stow of Luton CID said: “This brazen attack took place in the middle of a busy area and must have been extremely terrifying for everyone who witnessed it.”

‘We believe the victim of the original bike theft left the scene, so we are particularly interested in identifying him. We would also like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or who knows anything about this crime.

‘We are dedicating resources to this investigation to locate those responsible. “We will also maintain a high visibility presence in Luton town center following this distressing incident and would welcome any residents to come and speak to us if they have concerns or information to share.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or report it online quoting Operation Schubert.