Man Charged Over Axe Attack on Police in Bermondsey 2026

Key Points

• A man identified as Stephen Coombes, aged 43, from Marine Street, Bermondsey, has been charged with attempted murder following an attack on police officers.​
• The incident occurred at 15:21hrs on Sunday, 1 March 2026, when Metropolitan Police emergency response officers from the Central South command unit attended a property on the Dickens Estate in Marine Street, Bermondsey, as part of an ongoing investigation.​
• During the house visit, two officers were bitten by a dog, believed to be a Cane Corso breed, and one officer was attacked by a man armed with axes.​
• The man, in his 40s, was Tasered by officers at the scene and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
• The dog was seized and taken to police kennels.​
• Two officers suffered injuries from the axe and the dog bites; their injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing, and they have been discharged from hospital.​
• A third officer sustained a minor injury that did not require further treatment.​
• Stephen Coombes faces additional charges: being in charge of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control, a racially aggravated Public Order Act offence, and harassment to put in fear of violence.​
• Coombes is scheduled to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 2 March 2026.​

Bermondsey (South London News) March 2, 2026 – A dramatic confrontation unfolded on the Dickens Estate in Marine Street, Bermondsey, where Metropolitan Police officers were assaulted with axes and bitten by a dog during a routine house visit linked to an ongoing investigation, leading to the arrest and charging of local man Stephen Coombes with attempted murder. The incident, which took place at precisely 15:21hrs on Sunday, 1 March, highlights the dangers faced by frontline officers in south-east London. Three officers were injured, but fortunately, none sustained life-threatening harm, according to official statements from the Met Police.​

What Happened During the Police Visit in Bermondsey?

As detailed in the official Met Police release, emergency response officers from the Central South command unit arrived at the address on the Dickens Estate in Marine Street as part of an ongoing investigation. Upon entering the property, the situation escalated rapidly: two officers were bitten by a dog, and one was attacked by a man wielding axes. The Met Police statement specifies that this occurred at 15:21hrs on Sunday, 1 March.​

The assailant, described initially as a man in his 40s, was immediately Tasered by fellow officers and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene. No further resistance was reported following the Taser deployment, allowing for a swift apprehension.

Who Is the Man Charged in the Axe Attack?

Stephen Coombes, 43, born on 16 November 1982, and residing at Marine Street, Bermondsey, has been formally charged with attempted murder. As reported directly from the Met Police news release, Coombes faces multiple counts, including being in charge of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control, a racially aggravated Public Order Act offence, and harassment intended to put a person in fear of violence. He is the resident of the property where the incident occurred, placing him at the centre of the confrontation.​

The BBC coverage confirms that Stephen Coombes was arrested after three Met Police officers were hurt, with one specifically injured by an axe. No prior criminal history or background details on Coombes were provided in the initial reports from either the Met Police or BBC, maintaining focus on the charges at hand.

What Injuries Did the Police Officers Sustain?

Two officers required hospital treatment for injuries inflicted by both the axe and the dog bites. The Met Police have emphasised that these injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, and both officers have since been discharged from hospital. A third officer suffered a minor injury that did not necessitate any further medical intervention.​

According to the official statement, the axe attack targeted one officer specifically, while the dog bites affected two. This distribution of harm underscores the dual threats posed during the entry to the property. Recovery details remain positive, with no long-term impacts anticipated.​

What Breed Was the Dog Involved and What Happened to It?

The dog involved in the biting incidents is believed to be a Cane Corso breed, a large and powerful type known for its strength. Following the attack on the two officers, the animal was seized by police and transported to police kennels for safekeeping and further assessment. No additional actions regarding the dog, such as euthanasia or rehoming, have been mentioned in the reports.​

The charge against Stephen Coombes for being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control directly stems from this aspect of the incident. This charge highlights the legal responsibilities of owners under UK animal control laws.​

What Are All the Charges Against Stephen Coombes?

Beyond attempted murder, Stephen Coombes has been hit with three further charges, as outlined in the Met Police announcement. These include: being in charge of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control; a racially aggravated Public Order Act offence; and harassment to put in fear of violence. The racially aggravated nature of one charge suggests additional elements of verbal or behavioural aggravation during the confrontation, though specifics on the racial element were not detailed in the release.​

Yahoo News echoed these charges in their summary, noting Stephen Coombes, 43, of Marine Street, faced the full array including the dog-related offence. The Evening Standard also referenced the attempted murder charge prominently in their headline and snippet coverage.

When and Where Will Stephen Coombes Appear in Court?

Stephen Coombes is expected to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, Monday, 2 March 2026, as stated by the Met Police. This initial appearance marks the formal start of legal proceedings following his charges. No information on bail status, pleas entered, or subsequent court dates beyond this hearing was available in the immediate reports.​

The choice of Croydon Magistrates’ Court aligns with its jurisdiction over south-east London offences, including those in Bermondsey. Further updates from the court are anticipated as the case progresses.​

Why Were Police at the Dickens Estate Property?

The officers attended the property on Dickens Estate in Marine Street as part of an ongoing investigation, though specifics of that probe have not been disclosed publicly. The Met Police statement describes it as a connection to an “ongoing investigation,” without elaborating on the nature—whether related to Coombes personally, the address, or broader community matters. This lack of detail preserves the integrity of the separate inquiry.

BBC reporting similarly notes the response was “as part of an ongoing inquiry,” reinforcing the non-specific context provided officially. Journalists covering the story have respected this boundary, focusing instead on the assault itself.

How Does This Incident Reflect on Officer Safety in South London?

This event underscores the unpredictable risks encountered by Metropolitan Police officers during welfare checks or investigative visits in residential areas like Bermondsey. The rapid escalation from entry to assault with weapons and an animal highlights the need for tactical preparedness in urban estates. South London, particularly south-east boroughs, has seen similar confrontations in past years, though this case’s axe involvement stands out.​

Neutral observers note the effective use of Taser prevented further harm, allowing for arrest without additional injuries to officers or bystanders. Community reactions remain unreported at this early stage, but local news interest suggests potential discussions on estate security.

What Is the Current Status of the Investigation?

The primary assault investigation has advanced to charging stage, with Stephen Coombes in custody ahead of his court appearance. The underlying “ongoing investigation” that prompted the visit continues separately, per Met Police indications. No links between the two have been confirmed.​

Police have secured the scene, seized evidence including the dog and presumably the axes, and ensured officer welfare. Further enquiries may involve witness statements from the estate or forensic analysis of injuries and weapons. Updates will likely follow the court hearing.