Merton's police boss has praised officers after they saved a man’s life despite being threatened with a knife on a 999 call.

Officers responded after the man tried to hang himself having broken into his former partner’s home and threatened police with a knife.

Police were called to a house in Mitcham on Tuesday morning last week, where they found a man smashing up the home after breaking in.

Detective chief superintendent Stuart Macleod praised the response team and said this type of incident  was quite common.

In a bulletin, D Chief Supt Macleod said: “He was armed with a knife and began throwing things at the officers and made threats to harm them and to kill himself.

"Further officers responded, a containment was put in, a trained negotiator was called for, and Inspector Matt Boyd assumed command and control of the incident.

“The incident went on for some considerable time before officers reported that they had seen the man with something round his neck and that it had now gone quiet.

"Fearing for the man's safety, Insp Boyd authorised officers in full protective equipment to enter and search the house.

“The officers found the man hanging from the loft hatch and they immediately supported his body and cut him down.”

Paramedics were called and once he was stable he was taken to hospital, where he remained a week later.

Speaking after the incident, D Chief Supt Macleod said: “Sadly these type of incidents involving people in crisis are quite common but thankfully Insp Boyd and his team were there to prevent a more serious incident.

"A thoroughly professional response and there is no doubt that the prompt and dynamic actions of the officers saved this man's life."