Knife Horror: Fake Emergency Call Lures Police into Brutal Attack
A chilling knife attack on four police officers has ended with the attacker locked up for 15 years. Alex Traykov, 20, from Redhill, tricked cops with a false emergency call before unleashing a savage stabbing spree. The Old Bailey jailed him on Friday, 24 May, after he was found guilty of three counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and and one attempted GBH.
Call to Trap: Officers Lured to a Deadly Ambush
On the night of 6 October 2018, police received a 999 call reporting a fight at a house in Liverpool Road, Islington. The caller gave the name “Soloman,” but it was all a lie. The call in fact came from Traykov, lying in wait with a huge knife.
Four officers, two men and two women, responded. CCTV showed them walking up dark stairs to a quiet house. PC Istarlin Said-Ali rang the doorbell and Traykov opened quickly – emotionless, one hand hidden behind his back. Moments later, he lunged, slashing PC Said-Ali on the head and hand.
Chaos and Carnage: Officers Fight for Their Lives
The attack lasted barely 30 seconds but was terrifying. Traykov slashed PC Ben Thomson and PC Rafal Kedziora, who suffered a cut face and disorientation. The officers tried to retreat but were pursued down the stairs, with Traykov throwing the knife at PC Launa Watkins. She fired her taser twice, finally subduing the attacker.
The knife, with a 23cm blade and covered in PC Kedziora’s blood, was recovered nearby. All four officers were injured—one needed eight stitches to the cheek and five to the neck, another fainted from head wounds, while others suffered broken bones and deep cuts.
Bravery and Aftermath: Officers Speak Out
DI Kate Stannard: “This case shows the real danger officers face daily. These brave men and women walked into a trap but fought back and survived. Traykov’s sentence sends a clear message that violent attacks on police will be met with the harshest penalties.”
PC Ben Thomson: “This was the most stressful time of my life. We did our duty and were met with a savage attack. Our injuries may heal but the mental scars will remain.”
PC Launa Watkins: “In 16 years, I have never faced such brutal violence. We fought to stay alive despite injuries and hope no other officer faces this horror.”
PC Rafal Kedziora: “We face ruthless criminals every day. I’m left with life-changing injuries and mental scars but remain committed to protecting the community.”
PC Istarlin Said Ali: “No training prepares you for coming close to death. We are human. We want to do our jobs without fearing we won’t return home. I hope this sentence warns others thinking of knife crimes about the consequences.”
Traykov refused to explain his savage ambush during questioning but was charged with four counts of attempted murder. Thanks to quick police action and taser strikes, tragedy was averted—but these officers will never forget the terror of that night.
