Instinct took over when I ran at station knifeman

HERO COP STABBED IN VICTORIA HORROR TELLS OF TERRIFYING MOMENT HE WAS ATTACKED

A HERO police officer stabbed as he arrested a knifeman during a ‘frenzied’ attack at Victoria Station has told how ‘instinct took over’ as he rushed to help.

Sgt Lee Valentine was one of four British Transport Police officers who were on the scene ‘in seconds’ after two members of the public were stabbed on a Metrolink platform on New Year’s Eve.

Footage from the night shows the officers, along with two Metrolink TravelSafe guards, pinning the suspect down. During the melee Sgt Valentine, a BTP officer of 10 years, was stabbed in the shoulder.

BTP Chief Constable Paul Crowther said the fearless actions of his officers prevented many more people from being injured and probably saved lives.

In a statement, Sgt Valentine said: “We had no idea what we were running towards when we heard the screams on New Year’s Eve.

“When we saw the man wielding a knife, instinct took over and we were able to successfully, in company with Travel Safe Officers from Metrolink, detain the male.”

Sgt Valentine, who was treated in hospital and discharged, also thanked the public for their ‘overwhelming’ support.

He added: “The past 48 hours have been overwhelming, My team and I are grateful to everyone who sent in messages of support - it really does mean the world to us.”

Mr Crowther, who visited Manchester today to speak to officers, praised their ‘bravery and commitment’ in the face of a ‘ferocious attack.’ He told the M.E.N.: “They didn’t think about their own safety, they rushed in to help people who needed to be helped. That’s testament to their bravery and commitment.

“It was clearly a ferocious attack, so to be able to bring the individual under control so quickly – I have no doubt many more people would have been injured.

“They should be very proud of their actions.

“I have seen some of the officers and was really struck by their modesty and how humble they are.

“We have all been very concerned about Sgt Lee Valentine, but the four officers have also been very concerned about the two members of the public who were stabbed.

“They’ve also been really taken aback by the messages of support they’ve received from across the world.”

Following the attack, which took place just before 9pm, a witness said he heard the suspect shout ‘Allah.’

A 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder has been detained under the Mental Health Act.