Armed Thug Terrorises Southampton in Series of Rapid Knife Robberies
18-Year-Old Billy Broomfield Strikes Six Times in 30 Minutes
Billy Broomfield, 18, from Bluebell Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court to a string of terrifying crimes on 27 August. In a chilling spree lasting just half an hour, Broomfield carried out multiple robberies — all involving a knife — in the Swaythling area.
Knife-Wielding Robber Targeted Victims Across Southampton
- 6:30pm: Broomfield burst into Subway on High Road and attacked a staff member. He then pulled a knife, threatening the victim to hand over money.
- 6:35pm: At Swaythling Train Station, he threatened a 30-year-old man with a knife and stole his watch.
- 6:40pm: A 29-year-old man on Brookside Way had his phone demanded at knifepoint and complied.
- 6:45pm: A 57-year-old woman walking her dog on Monks Way was threatened but escaped after claiming she had no phone.
- 6:50pm: A 26-year-old man on Octavia Road fled after Broomfield demanded his phone at knife-point but got nothing.
- 6:55pm: On Mansbridge Road, Broomfield threatened a 37-year-old woman and her partner, forcing the man to hand over cigarettes while brandishing the knife near the woman’s face.
- 7:00pm: His final victim was a 51-year-old man in Riverside Park. Broomfield demanded wallet, money, and phone in knife threat. Police arrived just in time to help detain him.
Arrest and Sentencing
After being busted by officers, Broomfield was taken to Southampton Central Police Station, where he further assaulted a police officer. He was sentenced to 34 months behind bars for his violent spree.
This young knifeman’s rampage left the Swaythling community shaken but relieved at swift justice.
