Sign in Subscribe
Police officers

Heroic Response: Unarmed Police Officers Tackle Knife-Wielding Suspect in Tragic Southend MP Attack

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the trial of Ali Harbi Ali continues, dramatic body-worn camera footage has been played to the Old Bailey jury, showing the moment two unarmed police officers, Pc Scott James and Pc Ryan Curtis, bravely tackled the knife-wielding suspect, who allegedly attacked and killed Sir David Amess. The officers, equipped only with batons and Pava spray, entered the building where the 69-year-old MP was conducting a constituency surgery, with the suspect still brandishing a knife. Despite being outgunned, the officers repeatedly shouted at the suspect to drop the knife, before rushing him and forcing him to the ground.

Key Takeaways:

  • Unarmed police officers Pc Scott James and Pc Ryan Curtis responded to 999 calls and entered the building where Sir David Amess was attacked, with the suspect still brandishing a knife.
  • Body-worn camera footage shows the officers repeatedly shouting at the suspect to drop the knife, before rushing him and forcing him to the ground.
  • The suspect, Ali Harbi Ali, allegedly told a member of the public that he wanted to be shot, and was heard saying he was "prepared to die" during arrest.
  • The officers did not wear stab vests, but managed to subdue the suspect without sustaining serious injury.
  • The suspect had been on the phone to his sister at the time of the attack, and believed the police were not going to shoot him.
  • After being arrested, paramedics attempted to revive Sir David Amess, but he was declared dead at 1.10pm, suffering 23 knife wounds, including four to his chest.
  • The trial continues, with Ali Harbi Ali denying one count of preparing terrorist acts and one count of murder.

Statistics:

  • The suspect, Ali Harbi Ali, was captured on CCTV outside Gates of the Houses of Parliament on Sept 20 and again on Sept 22.
  • The suspect was also spotted in the area on three other occasions in July and September.
  • Sir David Amess suffered 23 knife wounds, including four to his chest, during the attack.
  • The officers' response time was critical in preventing further harm, with backup, including armed officers, arriving two minutes later.

Sources:

  • "Moment police officers tackle knife-wielding terrorist suspect in Old Bailey trial" by The Evening Standard (no date)
  • "Knife Wielding Terrorist Suspect Arrested Following Attack on MP Sir David Amess" by Metropolitan Police (no date)
  • "Trial of Ali Harbi Ali Continues After Graphic Video Is Played to Jury" by The Guardian (no date)

Read more