A top cop has split opinion by saying Brits should stop crimes and anti-social behaviour despite one saying they fear getting stabbed.
Ch Insp Caroline Hay MBE said she intervened after seeing four lads lob rubbish at a woman on a train.
The ex-Met Police officer urged others to “Give it a go.”
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Many – including an I’m A Celebrity star – praised her heroics.
But others said they feared for their own safety amid the capital’s knife epidemic.
Ch Insp Hay, 39, who now works for The City of London Police, was off-duty in a carriage when she witnessed it.
She said: “On the train and four ‘lads’ sit down.
“I let the ‘bants’ go and then one of them threw a bit of rubbish at some passing women.”
The cop – who is trained in user tasers and public order – added: “So I say ‘Fellas let me just manage your expectations’.
“‘I’m a cop and I won’t stand for that behaviour’.
She was on a train at 11pm on Monday (9 Dec) on her way home from a black tie dinner.
Ch Insp Hay – an officer for 20 years – said: “And at that point it could go either way.
“Then one of them says ‘I hope my daughter is as strong as you’.”
Some hailed her approach but others said they’d be scared, as reported on Need To Know.
One – named Neil – joked: “And then the whole train gave you a standing ovation?”
But Ch Insp Hay said: “Actually when I got off, a passenger did thank me for intervening.
“He said the journey could have been very different if I hadn’t stood up and then placated them.
“Give it a go, Neil.”
But another – called Anna – said: “I think it takes a lot of guts, self confidence and assertiveness to go this way.
“So many, including myself, would question if we had to step in, whether it was safe to do so.
“Given that many carry knives.”
A third – called Tony – said: “Over the last 20 years or so, I have spoken to lads on a number of occasions about their language or behaviour in public.
“They always complied with my request.
“Would I today? Maybe not so much.”
Iain Thorpe said: “Isn’t that your job?”
Ch Insp Hay added: “I mean, I wasn’t getting paid.
“It was 11pm and I was in a nice dress from a black tie dinner I’d been to.
“But we are crown servants and here to serve.”
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! finalist Rev Richard Coles said: “Bravo.”
Anne Jirsch added: “A family member of mine was attacked on a train.
“I am so grateful an off duty cop stepped in.
“The attacker was prosecuted.”
Jean Harris added: “Sometimes people just need to be called out on their behaviour.
“I did it on the Tube whilst going to London for my daughters hen do.
“Group of kids about 14, one of them was swinging a scooter around just missing people.
“‘Oi, pack it in, that’s dangerous’, he soon quietened down.”
Martin Drapper said: “Nice one Caroline.”
Another – called Caroline – said: “Great comeback Caroline.
“Thank you for the work you do.”
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