Police Face Knife Attack in Dramatic Alleyway Struggle
Three plainclothes officers were plunged into a knife fight when they confronted a violent attacker in an alley on 5 December 2022. PCs Ian Hide, John Rimmer, and Nathan Beavin acted fast after two members of the public reported a threatening man wielding a bottle nearby.
Armed Attacker Lunges at Police
As PCs Hide and Beavin approached through the alley, PC Rimmer blocked the opposite end by vehicle, trapping 35-year-old Thomas McComish. But McComish didn’t back down. He lunged at PC Hide with a large kitchen knife, slashing wildly.
PC Rimmer soon joined the fray, and a fierce struggle erupted as the three constables fought to disarm and detain McComish. At one point, PC Hide was knocked down, with McComish towering over him, brandishing a carving knife.
Brave Officers Hurt but Stop Dangerous Knife Rampage
PC Rimmer was stabbed twice but was saved by the handcuffs he wore, which absorbed the brutal blows. PC Hide suffered a broken wrist during the confrontation and was later moved to desk duties because of his injuries.
PC Hide said: “It was a job that, as a police officer, you pray you never have to go to. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. I can’t believe I survived. There remains a large piece of me missing.”
The incident left PC Hide deeply affected, calling it life-changing.
Attacker Jailed After Deadly Knife Incident
Thomas McComish, from Morgan Street, St Helens, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm. In April 2023, he was locked up for seven years and nine months, plus four years on licence.
The fearless actions of the three officers stopped a dangerous man from causing serious harm to others — at great personal risk.
Chief Constable and Police Fed Praise Heroic Officers
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “I am immensely proud that the brave and selfless actions of PCs Hide, Rimmer and Beavin have been recognised in this way. Their actions directly led to removing an armed man intent on hurting the public and officers. I have no doubt they spared people more serious injury that day.”
She added: “I never take for granted the courage of officers who face dangerous situations daily because they care about protecting the public. These three officers are a credit to their profession, and I wish them well at the Police Bravery Awards.”
Merseyside Police Federation Chair Chris McGlade praised the trio: “These officers demonstrated great bravery in putting public safety before their own. They brought an extremely dangerous situation to a safe end and prevented further harm. They should be proud their courage is being formally recognised.”
