Man sentenced after stabbing three police officers in Central London

An attacker who stabbed three police officers in Westminster after attempting to steal a mobile phone has been jailed.

Mohammed Rahman, 25, appeared at Kingston Upon Thames Court today (8 December 2023) after being found guilty at trial in October. He received a sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years.

In the early hours of 16 September 2022, Rahman approached a member of the public and revealed a large kitchen knife that was hidden in his jacket. He then snatched a powerbank from the victim’s pocket.

Shortly after, the victim approached nearby officers to inform them of the incident. Rahman approached the officers, resisting commands to maintain distance and take his hands out of his pockets, before lunging towards them. Efforts to contain Rahman with PAVA spray proved ineffective, as Rahman began walking down a nearby road with officers in pursuit.

After further failed attempts to disarm Rahman with PAVA spray and tasers, he began to lunge at each of the officers in turn. Rahman stabbed and slashed two officers before falling to the floor after a successful taser attempt.

However, as officers attempted to gain control of Rahman, he returned to his feet and picked up the knife he had dropped from the floor. Rahman then grabbed the Met vest of a nearby officer before stabbing them multiple times in the neck and upper chest.

Rahman was eventually tasered once more, and officers successfully arrested him at the scene.

David Malone, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South said: This was a shocking and horrific incident that highlights the courage required to be a frontline police officer. My thoughts are with those officers who were injured protecting our community.

“May I also pay tribute to the Metropolitan Police Service for a meticulous investigation and to the prosecution team who worked tirelessly, building a strong case, to bring this this dangerous individual to justice.

“I hope this case sends out a clear message to those who carry knives and plan to harm others. You will be caught, and you will be prosecuted, whenever our legal test is met.”