Ambulance Attack Shocker: Man Wields Meat Cleaver at Paramedics
Shock and chaos erupted at 3am on 11 February 2021 in Glenesha Gardens when 59-year-old Paul Searle turned violent against emergency workers called to help him.
Paramedics Face Brutal Assault During Routine Call
Searle was reportedly struggling to breathe, prompting paramedics to rush to his home. But instead of cooperating, he became aggressive and verbally abusive, forcing the medics to retreat to their ambulance.
The nightmare escalated seconds later. Searle appeared armed with a meat cleaver, yanked the ambulance driver out of the vehicle, and threatened to “cut his ear off.” During the scuffle, the reversing ambulance crashed into a parked car.
His colleague swiftly radioed for backup, rushed out, and helped tackle Searle to the pavement to restrain him.
Injuries and Arrest: Paramedics Left Shaken
- The ambulance driver suffered a hand cut requiring stitches.
- The second paramedic was hit on the head, left with a painful lump.
Searle, from St David’s Road, Southsea, was arrested at the scene. He faced serious charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and assault on an emergency worker.
Guilty Verdict and Upcoming Sentencing
Following a three-day trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, Searle was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent on 23 November. He had already pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker earlier.
Currently in custody, Searle is set to be sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on 16 December.
