A seven-year-old girl who was stabbed in the neck and chest in Cricklewood has met the hero police officers who saved her life.

Noura, aged six at the time, was given life saving treatment by officers Ryan Legge and Ahmet Mavitunali after she was brutally attacked by her father in May 2020.

Police had been called to concerns about the welfare of a man and his young daughter after family in Austria received a photo showing both with significant injuries.

Without receiving an exact address, the officers forced entry to multiple flats in Larch Road and eventually found the pair – with Noura suffering significant stab wounds to her neck and chest.

The officers stemmed the injuries and alerted paramedics who were attending to the man.

She was then rushed to hospital in a serious condition where she remained for nearly three months – with doctors fearing she would suffer serious neurological brain damage.

Thankfully she has now made a full recovery, and having been unconscious at the time, was finally able to meet the officers who saved her.

The youngster attended an event marking Emergency Services Day, before which she was collected by officers from school – allowing her to meet them for the first time in a familiar environment.

Unsurprisingly it proved to be an emotional reunion.

North West BCU commander, Sara Leach, said: “I am immensely proud of Ahmet and Ryan, whose actions at the scene were crucial in helping Noura in this sad and shocking case.

“This was a violent assault on a young girl by a person who should have been looking after her.

“It is quite right that both officers be recognised for their quick thinking under what must have been extremely distressing circumstances.

“They, along with Noura, should be commended for their bravery and resilience.

“It is really special that Noura and the officers are able to meet at this event, and it will I’m sure be an emotional moment for all.”

Noura’s father, who was also found with self-inflicted stab wounds at the address, was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Following his recovery he was arrested and charged with attempted murder. He was subsequently jailed for 22 years.