Brutal Knife Attack Near Liverpool Street: Homeless Man Stabbed in Neck
Egidijus Kotovas, 29, from Oslo, Norway, launched a savage knife attack on homeless man Izet Mehmed as he slept in a doorway near Liverpool Street Station. Kotovas had been living in the UK for three years when he viciously stabbed Mehmed without warning.
Life Sentence for Kotovas
The court sentenced Kotovas to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 14 years and 242 days. He will remain on licence for life after release. He also received concurrent nine-month sentences for possession of two knives.
The judge took into account the vulnerability of the victim and Kotovas’ previous convictions in Lithuania.
Attack Details and Police Response
At around 4:10am on 24 August 2022, Mehmed was sleeping on cardboard in a doorway on Blomfield Street when Kotovas stabbed him in the neck. The victim managed to stumble for help before collapsing outside a nearby café.
Two police officers, PC Amber Rose Kenny and PC George Williams, found Mehmed seriously injured. They administered emergency first aid until the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance arrived. Mehmed was rushed to Royal London Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Rapid Police Action Leads to Arrest
City of London Police Detective Chief Inspector Jim Halkett said:
“This horrific incident kept me awake. Had Kotovas not been caught, he would have struck again.”
“Thanks to meticulous police work, including DNA profiling and CCTV, we arrested Kotovas within 24 hours and secured a conviction to put this dangerous man behind bars.”
“Our officers’ swift first aid prevented this from becoming a murder investigation.”
CCTV footage showed Kotovas wiping his knife on cardboard moments after the attack. He then cycled off but returned briefly to the scene on his bike. Police arrested him early the next morning near the crime scene.
Forensic exams found the victim’s DNA on knives in Kotovas’ rucksack, alongside strong CCTV and witness evidence.
Victim’s Recovery and Community Commitment
Mehmed, who still suffers physically from the attack, now has permanent accommodation.
Ruby Syed, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, said:
“This was a terrifying attack on a vulnerable man.”
“I’m glad the victim is recovering and the offender is behind bars.”
“We are dedicated to tackling homelessness and ensuring no one sleeps rough in the City for more than one night.”
