Knife-Wielding Man Terrorises Leicester Street
In the early hours of 22 September 2023, chaos erupted on Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester. A man armed with a huge knife was caught on camera smashing parked cars, prompting a frantic police response.
Brave Caller Tracks Suspect Down Dark Alley
The victim’s vehicle was vandalised, but they didn’t back down. The caller followed the suspect on foot, keeping a safe distance, until officers PC Joshua Shardlow and PC Mo Ahmed arrived. The suspect was last seen disappearing into a pitch-black alleyway.
Knife Attack on Officers Sparks Intense Standoff
The two officers immediately informed command and entered the alley. The suspect suddenly turned, raised his hands, then pulled out a large knife, shouting “I am going to kill you!” as he charged at them.
PC Shardlow’s stun gun hit the mark, but PC Ahmed’s was ineffective. The suspect fell but sprang up quickly, slashing at officers with the blade — narrowly missing.
As officers retreated, they sprayed captor spray, which failed to stop the attacker. The suspect lunged at PC Ahmed, punching him in the face and inflicting a deep cut and broken nose.
Heroic Officers Bring Armed Suspect to Ground
- PC Shardlow struck the suspect with a baton, buying PC Ahmed time to create distance.
- The suspect kept swinging the knife while following them out to the main street.
- During the struggle, PC Shardlow fell but fought back fiercely, kicking the assailant.
- PC Ahmed finally deployed captor spray effectively, forcing the suspect to retreat.
- The officers gave chase and tackled the man, grappling until they handcuffed him despite the ongoing threat.
Leicestershire Police Federation Acting Chair Andy Spence praised the officers: “PC Mo Ahmed and Joshua Shardlow bravely confronted a dangerous man wielding a knife down a dark alley. When he charged at them, they tried to use their Taser, but it had no effect.”
“The offender slashed Mo across the face with the knife and knocked Joshua to the floor. Bravely both officers got up, chased after the suspect down several roads and restrained him. The footage is harrowing and shows how they courageously faced this man on their own.”
“The bravery they showed that night is outstanding. The officers showed absolute professionalism and dedication.”
