A woman police officer was hit with a sledgehammer after responding to reports of a man wielding a knife in a house.

Police were called to reports of a domestic disturbance in Sunningfields Road, Hendon, at around 9.30am on Friday.

Two officers entered the home and were confronted by a man who brandished a sledgehammer and swung it at them.

One officer was struck by the sledgehammer before the man fled.

The officer, a woman in her mid-30s, was not seriously injured and is currently recovering at home.

  • Barnet Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection to the incident.
  • Officers would like to speak to Cayle Lynch, 24.
  • He is known to sleep rough and frequents Sunny Hill Park and Hampstead Heath.
  • He should not be approached. Anyone who sees Lynch should call police immediately on 999 quoting CAD 1981 of August 10.