Norwegian Man Jailed for Life After Vicious Knife Attack on Homeless Man Near Liverpool Street
Egidijus Kotovas, 29, from Oslo, Norway, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum of 14 years and 242 days for a brutal knife attack on a homeless man near Liverpool Street station.
Vicious Attack in Early Hours
In the early hours of 24 August 2022, homeless victim Izet Mehmed was sleeping on cardboard in a doorway on Blomfield Street when Kotovas suddenly stabbed him in the neck without warning. The victim managed to stagger away seeking help before collapsing outside a café on Bishopsgate.
Two police officers, PC Amber Rose Kenny and PC George Williams, found Mehmed seriously injured. They administered immediate first aid before paramedics and London Air Ambulance rushed him to Royal London Hospital with life-threatening wounds.
Swift Arrest and Overwhelming Evidence
Within 24 hours, Kotovas was arrested at the crime scene, caught cycling nearby at 2am the next morning. CCTV footage showed him wiping his knife blade on cardboard and returning to the attack site on his bike before fleeing.
Forensic experts uncovered the victim’s DNA on two knives found in Kotovas’ rucksack. Combined with CCTV, witness statements and interviews, the evidence was enough to convict him.
Sentenced for Life – Knife Possession Adds Extra Sentences
The court sentenced Kotovas to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years and 242 days. He will be on licence for life after release. He also received concurrent nine-month sentences for possession of two knives.
His previous convictions in Lithuania and the victim’s vulnerability were key factors in sentencing.
Officials Praise Police Work and Highlight Homelessness Crisis
“This horrific incident kept me awake,” said Detective Chief Inspector Jim Halkett of City of London Police. “Without prompt police work, Kotovas could have attacked more vulnerable people. The quick first aid from officers likely saved a life.”
Ruby Syed, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, added: “This was a frightening attack on someone already vulnerable. We’re committed to tackling homelessness and ensuring no one sleeps out more than one night.”
Mehmed continues to recover physically and now lives in permanent accommodation thanks to ongoing support.
