A Twickenham teenager who violently attacked a police officer with a claw hammer before attempting to run away has been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

18-year-old Brandon Flanagan of Bell Lane was also found guilty of being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He denied all charges when he attended Kingston Crown Court on October 11, and is expected to be sentenced at the same court on December 4.

Kara Moulds, a Detective Sergeant from the South West area’s CID, said: “Flanagan has shown no remorse for his actions and has refused to admit his guilt throughout.

"The evidence collected by DC Pierce was overwhelming and as a result the jury convicted Flanagan."

The jury heard that on May 20, two police officers from the South West area's Emergency Response Team had gone to Kneller Park in Twickenham after receiving reports that two people were behaving in a suspicious manner - it was later revealed that Mr Flanagan was the passenger in a vehicle who was seen to be wielding a knife around and was also seen holding a hammer in full public view.

When the police arrived at the scene they positioned themselves next to an underpass as they attempted to intercept the motorbike.

Once the bike was in view - both officers stopped the vehicle and were able to detain the suspects however, Mr Flanagan then decided to use the claw hammer that he was holding to strike one of the PC's on the back of his head and then attempted to run off.

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The officer sustained a head injury after being struck by 18-year-old Flanagan

The other officer then chased Mr Flanagan on foot as he tried to escape by jumping over fences and running through residential gardens before a PC released a Taser which forced Mr Flanagan to the ground and the PC demanding that he remain on the floor.

However, as the PC began to jump the fences to go and detain Mr Flanagan - he seized the opportunity to get up and run away from the officer, with the Taser prongs still attached to his jacket.

A short while later, police were called to a suspicious male matching the description of Flanagan at a nearby pub.

Officers entered the premises and found Flanagan drinking a soft drink who tried to provide officers with a false name when they questioned him.

It was also at this point that the injured PC entered the pub and identified Mr Flanagan as the person who attacked him and as the man that he attempted to Taser.

Mr Flanagan was arrested on the spot and after DNA evidence and witness accounts were presented to the police - Mr Flanagan was charged.

DS Moulds further explained: "He [Mr Flanagan] is now facing a long stint behind bars where he can reflect upon his actions.

“This case highlights the very real risks with which police officers are confronted on a daily basis and the courage and professionalism officers demonstrate when doing their job.

"Police officers do their job to protect the public, not to be viciously attacked by them.”

The injured officer is now fully recovered but required hospital treatment for a deep wound to his scalp.

Anyone with information about the motorbike driver should contact the police on: 101 quoting CAD 4500/20MAY or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.