Television presenter James May has provoked backlash following remarks he made on X regarding the recent stabbing incident in Golders Green, north London.
The former Top Gear host responded to footage showing Metropolitan Police officers subduing a suspected terrorist.
"I'm sure we have all now seen the footage of Metropolitan rozzers kicking a suspected terrorist in the head, repeatedly, when he was down," Mr May wrote.
He added: "We can all play a part in putting an end to this sort of police brutality. Mainly by not going around stabbing people."
James May made the remarks on X
| PAThe post quickly drew criticism from users who accused the presenter of defending excessive force by officers.
Critics swiftly flooded the comments beneath Mr May's post, with many arguing he had fundamentally misunderstood the issue at hand.
"Regardless of his crime, they cannot kick a suspect in the head. Just because it was Jews he attacked, or is this what they do to everyone?" one user responded.
Another commenter wrote: "Advocating for police brutality in any scenario is wrong, James. It's a slippery slope. We're supposed to be better than them."
I’m sure we have all now seen the footage of Metropolitan rozzers kicking a suspected terrorist in the head, repeatedly, when he was down.
— James May (@MrJamesMay) April 29, 2026
We can all play a part in putting an end to this sort of police brutality. Mainly by not going around stabbing people.
However, some defended the presenter's position, with one supporter arguing: "He is correct, the response to this very simple comment shows just how much Britain has lost it's mind in the last decade."
"James May’s humour seems to be way above most people’s intellect. Bravo sir!" another shared.
You know, I am proud to say I am woke as f***, but the moment he stabbed someone he loses any rights in my mind. Doesn’t matter his religion or race."
Others pointed out that footage appeared to show the suspect still holding a weapon when officers intervened.
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James May found fame on Top Gear
| PAThe stabbing attack in Golders Green has been classified as a terrorist incident by the Metropolitan Police.
Officers were called to Highfield Avenue, located off Golders Green Road on Wednesday morning following reports of a stabbing.
CCTV footage captured the suspect in the area at 11:15, just moments before the attack unfolded.
Two men were injured in the assault, one aged in his 70s and another in his 30s, with both remaining in stable condition in hospital.
A 45-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.
The attack targeted members of the Jewish community in the area, continuing a troubling pattern of violence against Jewish residents in the capital.
The Golders Green attack marks the sixth incident targeting Jewish sites in London this year.
The assault follows a series of arson attacks against Jewish property across the capital in recent weeks.
This latest violence underscores growing concerns about antisemitic incidents in London, with the Jewish community facing repeated threats to their safety.
The Metropolitan Police have been dealing with an escalating pattern of attacks directed at Jewish residents and their property throughout 2026.
Authorities continue to investigate the attack whilst the suspect remains in custody.