Norwegian attacker jailed for vicious assault on homeless man in London
Brutal knife attack outside Liverpool Street
Egidijus Kotovas, 29, from Oslo, Norway, launched a savage attack on Izet Mehmed, a homeless man sleeping in a doorway near Liverpool Street station. Kotovas, who had been in the UK for three years, stabbed Mehmed multiple times, leaving him seriously injured outside a café on Bishopsgate.
Quick police response saves victim
Officers Amber Rose Kenny and George Williams found Mehmed face down with deep neck wounds. They rushed to give first aid at the scene, likely saving his life. Witnesses saw Kotovas cycling away from the site, but police arrested him within 24 hours.
“This horrific incident kept me awake. Without swift action, Kotovas could have targeted more vulnerable people,” said a senior police source.
“Thanks to DNA evidence from knives found in Kotovas’ rucksack, CCTV footage, and victim statements, we secured a swift conviction.”
Justice served
Forensic analysis linked Mehmed’s DNA to the weapons. Combined with medical reports and interviews, the overwhelming evidence put Kotovas behind bars. Mehmed is now in permanent accommodation but continues to suffer physically from the assault.
City of London vows to tackle homelessness
Ruby Syed, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, condemned the attack as “frightening” and pledged more support for rough sleepers.
“We aim to ensure no one sleeps on City streets for more than one night,” she said. “Our Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub Committee is working hard to get people into safe, long-term housing.”
