Knife-wielding thug lashes out at cops during tube stop and search
A 19-year-old man has been locked up after attacking police officers during a stop and search at Leytonstone underground station. Hamza Haddadi, from Leyton, was caught with a hunting knife and a switchblade before violently resisting arrest.
Hunting knife found during proactive tube search
On the afternoon of Friday 17 May, officers from the Leytonstone Safer Neighbourhood Team were running a drug dog operation at Leytonstone station. They stopped Haddadi on the eastbound platform. While initially compliant, he soon became agitated.
As Sergeant David Johns and PC Sam Mason searched him, Sergeant Johns spotted the handle of a large hunting knife in Haddadi’s zipped hooded top. The moment the train doors opened, Haddadi tried to bolt.
Suspect elbows sergeant, sparks violent scuffle
Despite Haddadi’s attempt to flee, officers held him fast. Furious, Haddadi elbowed Sergeant Johns in the face, knocking off his glasses. Officers forced Haddadi to the floor and cuffed him, but several sustained minor injuries during the fight.
Later, in custody, police found a smaller switchblade knife tucked down Haddadi’s trousers. The North East Area Gangs unit led the case.
Superintendent praises officers’ bravery and professionalism
“Police officers should be able to go about their jobs without fear of assault, but sadly this is not the reality,” said Superintendent Ian Brown.
He added the bodycam footage was crucial: “It showed how quickly the situation escalated and how the officers detained an aggressive suspect without endangering the public, while keeping calm.”
The court acknowledged the officers’ bravery. Haddadi was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 5 June to 14 months in a young offenders’ institution for assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons, and criminal damage.
Superintendent Brown concluded: “This case highlights how we are taking knives off the streets and making our communities safer.”
