Balaclava Blade Attack on Westcliff Bridge
A man in his 20s was brutally stabbed just after midnight on October 30, 2021, while walking with friends on the bridge between Station Road and Valkyrie Road, Westcliff. The assailant, wearing a balaclava, approached the victim before launching a vicious attack.
The attacker stabbed the victim multiple times—once initially, then again in the neck and body after he collapsed to the ground. The attacker then bolted towards Station Road.
Heroic First Aid and Life-Saving Surgery
One of the victim’s friends sprang into action, administering first aid and seeking help from nearby houses before emergency services were called. Police officers arriving at the scene also provided life-saving first aid while waiting for the ambulance.
The victim was rushed to hospital with a collapsed lung and required emergency surgery to save his life.
Police Track Down Suspect Through CCTV
Following extensive CCTV investigations, detectives from the Major Crime team identified 23-year-old Curtis Butler and traced him to a block of flats on Grosvenor Road. Witnesses confirmed Butler’s involvement in the savage stabbing.
Butler, from Great Gregorie, Basildon, was arrested in April 2022 and charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife in a public place. Despite denying the charges, he was convicted at Basildon Crown Court on April 17. He will be sentenced on June 16.
Meanwhile, Paul Butler, 22, of Royston Avenue, Southend, who faced witness intimidation charges, was found not guilty.
Detective Slams ‘Brutal and Unprovoked’ Attack
Detective Inspector Kev Hughes said: “This was a brutal and unprovoked attack which left the victim fighting for his life.
“The reality is this assault could very easily have been fatal.
“Our investigation established this was a premeditated attack. Curtis Butler intended to kill the victim.
“He now faces a significant amount of time in prison for his actions.
“I want to praise the quick thinking and actions of the victim’s friends and the officers who administered life-saving first aid before paramedics arrived.”
