Hero cop fights off ‘terrorist’
OFFICER INJURED IN FIGHT TO SAVE COUPLE FROM STATION ATROCITY
POLICE were hailed heroes last night for saving rail passengers from a knifewielding suspected terrorist who was allegedly shouting “Allahu Akbar”.
One officer was stabbed in the shoulder as he raced to help a couple targeted by the frenzied knifeman.
The man is said to have yelled “God is greatest” in Arabic and “long live the Caliphate” – a word for Islamic State territory.
The couple in their 50s suffered multiple stab wounds at Manchester’s Victoria station at 9pm on New Year’s Eve and medics said they would be in hospital “for some time”.
But police chiefs said the brave intervention of the sergeant, who is in his
30s, could have saved their lives.
He was discharged from hospital after treatment to his knife wound.
Four of his colleagues raced to help him and used a Taser and “incapacitating spray” to detain the suspect.
Footage shows a man being pinned down by officers and bloodstains on the pavement.
Witness Sam Clack, 38, a BBC producer, said he heard the attacker shout “Allah”, adding: “I heard this most blood-curdling scream.
“What it looked like was a guy in his
60s with a woman of similar age and another guy all dressed in black.
“It looked like they were having a fight but she was screaming. I saw police in high-vis come towards him.
“He came towards me. I looked down
and saw he had a knife with a good, 12in blade. It was just fear, pure fear.’’
British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “I am incredibly proud of the four officers who were on scene last night.
“They were fearless, running towards danger and preventing further harm coming to passengers.
“Unfortunately, one of our officers suffered a stab injury and we’re all relieved this was not more serious.”
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: “It could have been much more serious if not for the outstanding bravery from British Transport Police on the scene.”
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “My thoughts are with those who were injured. I thank the emergency services for their courageous response.”
Police said the attack was being treated as terrorism and a 25-year-old man remained in custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Officers yesterday raided his home in the city’s Cheetham Hill district.
Neighbours said the property was occupied by a Somali couple and their four children.
Nousha Babaakachel, who lives nearby, said one of the couple’s sons worked at Manchester Airport.
The station is next to Manchester Arena, where suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.