Hero Cops Tackle Knife Maniac Who Slaughtered Three in Forbury Gardens
Four heroic Thames Valley officers have been hailed for their bravery after they tackled knife-wielding Khairi Saadallah, who stabbed six people—three fatally—in Forbury Gardens in June 2020. Their gutsy actions are set to be honoured at the prestigious Annual Bravery Awards this September, alongside 10 other courageous colleagues.
Off-Duty PC Charges at Killer in Park
PC James Packman, just two years on the force, was off duty enjoying a summer evening when horror struck. From a distance, he saw Saadallah stabbing a group of people. Without hesitation, Packman shouted “Knife!” and gave chase.
“I was sitting on the grass when I heard a scream. I looked up and saw the suspect stabbing victims on the floor,” Packman recalled. “I shouted out a warning, then ran after him while calling it in to dispatch.”
Even without protective gear, Packman tracked the attacker, giving precise descriptions to fellow officers. His quick thinking guided armed response officers PC Liam Steele, PC Liam King, and Sgt Iain Watkinson to intercept Saadallah on Friar Street.
Team Tackles Terrorist to Stop Further Carnage
The unarmed trio spotted Saadallah running towards them, bloodied and dangerous. Without knowing if he still carried a weapon, they jumped out of their vehicles, tackled and restrained the killer before he could hurt anyone else.
PC Steele said: “As we approached, we learned multiple people were stabbed. I saw him running with blood all over his hands. We rugby tackled him and did our best to control the situation.”
PC Packman added: “Adrenaline took over. I just wanted to make sure he didn’t get away.”
Bravery Recognised, But Tribute Shared
Packman described being “very honoured” to be nominated, expressing pride that his team’s bravery is recognised. The four emphasised the collective efforts of all Thames Valley officers who aided victims and helped bring Saadallah to justice.
Craig O’Leary, Thames Valley Police Federation Chairman, said: “These officers are complete and utter heroes. This man was a terrorist. They were unarmed and stopped him before he could cause more harm.”
He praised their selfless bravery, “in keeping with the highest traditions of British policing.”
The quartet will attend the Awards Ceremony on 9 September. The winner of the Thames Valley Police Federation Bravery Awards will be announced, with the event sponsored by JRM Mortgage Solutions. Follow the action on social media with #TVPFedBravery.
Killer Sentenced to Whole Life Tariff
Khairi Saadallah pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to three counts of murder and three of attempted murder in November 2020. The judge ruled the attacks were terror-related and sentenced him to a whole life tariff—meaning no parole—plus 24 years for each attempted murder.
