Before the lights, there is always a voice. “From Met Control, units on the I-India Grade now…” and the borough inhales as one.

For almost five years, I worked on a response team in London’s Metropolitan Police. It was relentless, and the closest thing I’ll ever have to being part of the greatest show on earth.

Sirens at 3 a.m., neighbour disputes between celebrities, running toward stabbings, and holding a parent as their world collapsed.

I’ve written a piece which I’ve shared at the end of thread on what a day in that life was like🧵 Every day began in a briefing room with tired faces, banter flying, and the smell of body armour that had seen one too many night shifts. By the end of the day you might have dealt with a dozen strangers’ worst moments.