Three Hurt in Shocking Aldi Knife Attack in Southampton – Brave Locals Hold Off Attacker Until Cops Arrive
Knife Horror at Southampton Aldi
Chaos erupted outside an Aldi supermarket in Bevois Valley, Southampton, this afternoon when a man launched a terrifying knife attack. Three people were injured before heroic locals stepped in to distract the attacker, keeping him busy until police swooped in and arrested him.
Police were called at 12:48pm to reports of a man threatening shoppers with a knife in the Aldi car park on Empress Road. Officers and paramedics rushed to the scene, which remains cordoned off as forensic teams comb the area for evidence. A man in his 40s from the Bitterne area was detained on suspicion of attempted murder and is in custody.
Martial Arts Stars Step Up
Among the first on the scene were fighters from Limitless Martial Arts, directly opposite Aldi. Business owner and The Apprentice star Sohail Chowdhary, his boxing coach Viktor Kumchev, and students Mohamed Kamal and Jamie showed guts under fire. They distracted the armed attacker and guided terrified shoppers to safety.
“We saw the knife and thought, what the heck. We weren’t going to risk it with the amount of blood on that knife,” said Sohail. “We helped divert his attention away from shoppers.”
Remarkably, 16-year-old Mohamed Kamal, training for just a week, played a key role in juggling the attacker around the car park, buying precious time until police arrived.
Terrified Witnesses Recall Near Misses
NHS health worker Cécile Block, 48, described a close call.
“He was really close to me with a large knife in his hand. I thought I was going to get stabbed. Thankfully, a gentleman started shouting at him and threw something, allowing me to get away.”
Michael Evans, 36, who works supporting homeless people, narrowly escaped a slash from the attacker’s 8 to 10-inch blade.
“It was fight or flight. I saw families getting out of cars and shouted for them to get back inside.”
Police Launch Full Investigation – Community Urged to Help
Police have launched Operation Envelop to probe the attack. A force spokesperson assured the public:
“We do not believe there is any wider risk to the community. Officers will remain in the area to carry out enquiries.”
Investigators are appealing for any CCTV, dashcam, or mobile footage from witnesses. Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting reference 44250348108 or use the police public portal.
Local Hero Praises Team’s Courage
Sohail Chowdhary praised his fighters for their bravery and quick thinking:
“I couldn’t be more proud of our team. They didn’t just represent the discipline and courage we teach — they lived it. The most important thing is that everyone is safe.”
Scene Still Locked Down
The Aldi and car park remain closed as forensic experts collect evidence. A large police presence continues in the busy Bevois Valley neighbourhood.
