The quick-thinking actions of a police officer who confronted and disarmed a knifeman inside a busy Essex supermarket have helped secure a prison sentence for the attacker. PC Jamie Welsh raced to a supermarket at Brook Retail Park, Clacton, after reports of a stabbing at around 11am on 29 July 2025. Arriving within minutes, the officer directed members of the public to remain outside before entering the store, where he came face-to-face with Thomas Suliman, 39, who was still armed with a knife. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Suliman refused. Recognising the immediate danger to anyone nearby, PC Welsh discharged his Taser, causing Suliman to drop the knife and fall to the floor. With the assistance of an ambulance worker, the officer restrained Suliman until additional police units arrived.
Shopper stabbed in random attack
chelmsford/" title="Chelmsford" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Chelmsford Crown Court heard Suliman, who was suffering from psychosis at the time, had moments earlier launched a random attack inside the supermarket. He had been behaving erratically before taking a kitchen knife from the shelves, removing it from its packaging and chasing a member of the public through the store. The victim was stabbed in the abdomen and thigh before managing to escape. Store staff and members of the public acted swiftly to evacuate shoppers from the supermarket while the injured man fled to safety. He was taken to hospital, where his injuries were treated and were found not to be life-threatening.
Assaulted ambulance worker
By the time PC Welsh reached the scene, Suliman had also inflicted significant injuries on himself with the knife. However, while receiving medical treatment following his arrest, he assaulted an ambulance worker, striking them across the face. An investigation by Clacton CID resulted in Suliman being charged with multiple offences.
Jailed for 25 months
Suliman, of Foscote Mews, London, pleaded guilty to:
- Wounding without intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Possessing a knife in a public place
- Affray
- Assaulting an emergency worker
Appearing before Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 17 July, Suliman was sentenced to 25 months’ imprisonment. Police praised the bravery and professionalism shown by PC Welsh, whose decisive actions brought the dangerous incident to a swift conclusion and prevented further injuries.
