Knife-Wielding Man Threatens Passengers on Leeds Bus
On the night of December 21, PC Mike Watkins and PC Tom Swift faced a terrifying ordeal on a Number 75 bus in Holbeck, Leeds. A man was swinging a large knife around his head, menacing late-night passengers.
Officers Step In as Danger Mounts
The two PCs arrived just after 11:30 p.m. to find the man still holding the knife while seated in the middle of the bus. Concerned for everyone’s safety, the bus driver had already stopped the vehicle. Acting swiftly, the officers requested Taser backup but, fearing delays, boarded the bus themselves.
Their calm commands to drop the knife were flatly ignored. The knifeman advanced, swinging the blade. Tasers were deployed but failed to stop him, likely due to his baggy clothes. PC Watkins then drew his baton and tried to disarm the threat.
Shocking Melee: Police Fight Back Brutally
In the cramped bus aisle, PC Watkins lost grip of his baton. The man grabbed it, now armed with both a knife and the police baton, swinging wildly. PC Swift stepped up, wielding his baton and using PAVA spray, but the attacker ignored every attempt to subdue him.
The chaos spilled onto the street. With tasers, sprays, and strikes failing, the officers engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle, managing to wrestle the man to the ground and cuff him before anyone was hurt.
Heroes Honoured for Bravery
The man was later sectioned under the Mental Health Act and given urgent treatment. West Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Brian Booth praised the pair:
“This was a very difficult assignment, made even tougher when both Taser and PAVA spray failed to stop this knifeman. Mike and Tom acted fast and bravely, potentially saving lives that night. We’re extremely proud of their actions.”
PC Watkins and PC Swift have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards. They will attend the prestigious ceremony in London this July, standing alongside other UK officers recognised for extraordinary courage.
