Hero police officer: Attack was emotionally devastating and took away my independence

SURVIVORS of the Hainault sword horror - including heroic police officers - described its “profound” and “devastating” impact on their lives.

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PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield suffered several severe injuries after being repeatedly struck with maniac Marcus Monzo’s samurai sword.

She said: “The injuries I sustained during this incident have had a significant and permanent effect on my life, which has taken away my independence.”

She described facing “numerous challenges” in the wake of the attack, including struggling to dress one-handed and preparing her hair.

The officer added: “I find this emotionally devastating, every morning, as I try to cover the scar and dent on the left side of my head.

“I no longer want to travel by myself or go out of the house without someone being with me.

“I have a fear of being attacked again and not being able to defend myself.”

Sindy Arias was asleep with her then-partner Henry De Los Rios Polania when Monzo burst into their room, with their daughter, then aged four, nearby.

She said she suffered “deep, persistent fear” and, although she wasn't physically injured, said: “No other family or person should have to go through such a complex, painful and destabilising experience.”