Tributes paid after death of axe attack tree surgeon
THE family of a tree surgeon who was the victim of an axe attack featured in a BBC crime documentary has paid tribute to his bravery and that of the officers who helped him.
The case of Cameron Brooksbank has been documented in The Detectives which follows Greater Manchester Police’s dedicated organised crime unit in Rochdale.
During the three-part series, DS Martin Soutter attempts to bring down the Adam gang - based on the Newbold Estate in the town. Episode one of the show saw officers grapple with a horrific axe attack that happened on October 17, 2017.
The attack began as a simple road rage incident and the victim - then 17-year-old Cameron was a tree surgeon working nearby trying to keep order in the chaos.
He was struck by an axe in the armpit, and then on the wrist as he tried to shield his head from another blow. His hand was partially reattached, but he then required a further five surgeries in the two years since the attack just to maintain 60 percent use of his arm.
In episode one of the documentary, Cameron is seen talking to police. Tearful and fearful, he recalls the events of that night. The attack also featured in episode two, where a trial collapses, and the third episode aired on Wednesday night where more details about his life and background were revealed. Cameron’s attacker was Mohammed Awais Sajid, known as ‘Skinny’, of Kings Road, Rochdale. He was jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of section 18 wounding. He had been summoned to the scene by Habibur Rahman, who was jailed for four-and-ahalf years.
Brother Zillur Rahman, 29, was jailed for three years for conspiracy to commit violent disorder after he admitted making phone calls to summon the gang. And Arsan Ali, 23, was among those he called and who attended the scene, who was jailed for four years after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit violent disorder. Sadly, in Wednesday night’s episode, the audience was told that Cameron had tragically passed away this year. He was 24 years old and his death was non-suspicious, the Observer understands.
Following the broadcast, his family issued a statement through GMP where they paid tribute to Cameraon whose passing they said had ‘created such a huge and painful void in our lives.’ They also hailed the bravery of the officers who worked on his case and regularly ‘put their lives on the line.’
“This has been the most terrible time for our family, but we are just one, of many, that are being supported by GMP, who are constantly being destroyed by these cruel, merciless drug gangs” they said.
“Everyone can see firsthand how these members proactively target children into drug misuse and debt to become modern-day slaves. Also, the bravery of the officers who put their lives on the line must never be taken for granted; they have been so caring and comforting. Martin, Mark and their team have been wonderful, so we want to thank all concerned for everything they have done for our family and the wider borough.
“We thank them for their tenderness with Cameron who was only 17 at the time of the attack and the subsequent friendships that followed.
“People in dependency need medical and social support, but if you are a recreational misuser, please try to reflect and understand not only the dangers you put yourselves in, but also the dangers for so many others in the supply chain. We’d also like to thank the public for all the many kind words and praise for our special son and grandson, Cameron whose passing has created such a huge and painful void in our lives.
“As you can see in the episodes, we have been supported throughout by officers and programme makers Lou and Ben from Minnow Films, regardless of the successes in the courtroom they have carried us throughout this tragic and frightening journey. We will remain eternally grateful for the rest of our lives.