Hayes Man Jailed for Stabbing Two Men in Unprovoked Attack
Daniel Bell, 43, from Shakespear Avenue, Hayes, has been locked up for 15 years after brutally stabbing two men in a shocking late-night attack. He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 4 May, following a trial in February where he was found guilty of two counts of Section 18 grievous bodily harm.
Stabbing Incident Near Willow Tree Lane
The terrifying incident happened just before midnight on Sunday, 11 July 2021. Police rushed to the junction of Willow Tree Lane and Reynolds Road in Hayes after reports of a stabbing. Two 21-year-old men were found with serious neck injuries. They were rushed to hospital and, thankfully, made full recoveries.
The victims were walking along Willow Tree Lane with a friend when Bell walked past with his dog. One of the men briefly petted the dog. Bell said nothing as they all went their separate ways — but moments later, Bell returned.
Knife Attack Sparks Investigation
An argument broke out, and shockingly, Bell stabbed the two men in the neck before fleeing towards Yeading Lane. Detectives from the Met’s West Area Command launched a full inquiry into the senseless attack.
Hours of CCTV footage were painstakingly reviewed, eventually capturing an image of the suspect. The police urgently released the photo on 14 July, appealing to the public for help.
Just a day later, Bell handed himself in to police.
Detective Speaks Out
“This was an unprovoked attack on three people simply walking back to their car after a meal out,” said Detective Constable Christina Bignell.
“There was no justification for the attack launched by Bell that put two men in hospital both suffering knife wounds to their necks.
“It was pure luck that their injuries were not far more serious and it is right that Bell has been held to account for needlessly violent actions. I hope that the significant sentence handed down today brings closure and a sense of justice to the victims.”
