Hero Cops Tackle Knife Terrorist in Forbury Gardens Attack
Four daring Thames Valley Police officers showed nerves of steel when they stopped knife attacker Khairi Saadallah, who stabbed six people in Forbury Gardens back in June 2020 – three of whom tragically died.
Off-Duty PC Leads the Chase
PC James Packman, off duty and enjoying a summer evening with friends, spotted the horror unfold. Without hesitation, he shouted “Knife!” and gave chase, despite having no protective gear.
“I was sitting on the grass when I heard a scream. I saw the suspect stabbing/" title="Stabbing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">stabbing people on the ground. I shouted ‘Knife!’ then ran after him,” said Packman.
He kept eyes on the attacker while calling for backup, running him out of the park.
Teamwork Brings Terrorist Down
Thanks to Packman’s precise updates, PC Liam King, PC Liam Steele, and Sgt Iain Watkinson located Saadallah on Friar Street. They jumped from their cars and rugby tackled the blood-covered attacker to the ground.
“I saw the suspect running with blood all over his hands. We controlled him while bringing him down to the floor,” recalled PC Steele.
All four officers acted quickly and courageously to prevent further harm.
Bravery Honoured at Annual Awards
The quartet will be celebrated at the Thames Valley Police Federation Annual Bravery Awards on 9 September, alongside 10 other officers. Chairman Craig O’Leary praised them as “complete and utter heroes” who stopped a terrorist threat while unarmed.
“James, who was off duty, Iain, and the two Liams acted selflessly and with immense bravery. We couldn’t be prouder,” said O’Leary.
PC Packman said, “Adrenaline took over. I just did what I thought was best to do.”
The awards, supported by JRM Mortgage Solutions, will crown an overall winner. Follow the event with #TVPFedBravery.
Justice Served
Khairi Saadallah pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to three murders and three attempted murders in November 2020. He was sentenced to a whole life tariff plus 24 years for each attempted murder charge.
