Opinion

Barbarism and heroism in Toronto

The appalling slaughter of ten innocent civilians when a van was deliberately driven into pedestrians in the centre of Toronto was followed by an astonishing act of heroism on the part of a police officer.

When suspect Alek Minassian confronted the officer, pointed an object at him which he claimed was a gun and shouted, `Kill me,' it appeared inevitable that the result would be another fatality.

However, as a dramatic video confirms, the officer replied, `I don't care - get down', and calmly completed the arrest without the use of any force.

He deserves the highest praise for his response which has ensured that Monday's barbarism will be followed by a fair and accountable judicial process.