Leicester Man Found Guilty of Knife Attacks and Hit-and-Run on Children
Carlos Racitalal, 33, was convicted today at Leicester Crown Court after a nine-day trial. He was found guilty of multiple knife attacks and a hit-and-run that injured children and adults in January.
Knife Assaults Terrorise Leicester Streets
- Racitalal launched vicious attacks on a 10-year-old boy, a woman in her 30s, and a man in his 70s—all stabbed during separate incidents across Leicester.
- The young boy was stabbed on Belper Street while saving a parking spot for his mum. He suffered a slash to his neck and needed surgery.
- The woman on Doncaster Road felt a sharp hit to her head and spotted a man fleeing with a yellow-handled knife.
- The elderly man on Dean Road was attacked from behind, suffering slash wounds to his head and hand.
Hit-and-Run Horror on 5-Year-Old Girl
Racitalal was also linked to a hit-and-run on a five-year-old girl in a car park on Exploration Drive. The girl suffered a broken nose, cuts, and bruises after being struck from behind by a car that sped off.
Police Chase Leads to Arrest and Knife Finds
An extensive investigation used CCTV, forensic exams, and public appeals. After images were released, Racitalal handed himself in at Mansfield House police station. Officers found a large kitchen knife wrapped in a pillowcase and a yellow-handled Stanley knife in his bedroom—matching weapons used in the attacks.
Detective Inspector Tim Lindley said: “Racitalal is an extremely dangerous man with no remorse for his victims, who ranged from young children to an elderly man. He attacked with knives and even a car before fleeing the scenes.”
“The police team worked tirelessly to link these incidents and bring him to justice. My thoughts are with the victims, and I hope the court’s verdict helps them heal.”
Racitalal is remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced tomorrow at Leicester Crown Court.
