Two robbers have been jailed after attacking an off-duty police officer with a machete who confronted them while out shopping. Brothers Hannan Mahmood, 20, and Humar Mahmood, 19, attacked PC Darren Attwood in a pedestrianised area in Luton town centre on Saturday, 2 November. The pair, both of Belmont Road in the town, admitted assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and dangerous driving. They were jailed for seven years each at Luton Crown Court and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley hailed PC Attwood's "bravery". Judge Allison Hunter said PC Attwood, who works for the Met Police, needed to be commended - and gave him aHigh Sheriff's Awardand the sum of £500. Children were in the area when the "highly dangerous" attack took place, she added. Barrister Jonathan Mole, prosecuting, told the judge the two brothers were armed with machetes and had robbed a man of hisdirt bike, which was worth about £1,000. Mr Mole said PC Attwood identified himself as a police officer when he approached the pair. CCTV footage from the town centre was shown in court as well as footage of the victim recounting events while in hospital. Humar Mahmood could be seen to produce a machete and swing it at PC Attwood. As he backed away, the brothers then rode towards him before riding off, having left the officer with a stab wound to the chest. PC Attwood said he did not know at the time the pair had committed a robbery. The Met officer said he had photographed the brothers and pulled down some plastic barriers in front of their bikes in an attempt to stop them escaping and he felt "lucky to be alive". Describing the attack, former soldier PC Attwood said: "I felt one [blow] on my arm. "The second one [said] 'just... kill him' and I thought 'this is not ideal' [but] I cannot let [them] get away." Pc Attwood said after the hearing: "There is a saying that the police are never off duty and in my case at this time, that was true." The judge heard the brothers had previous convictions - Humar for wounding and knife offences; Hannan for robbery and assault. Hannan had been given a nine-month custody sentence in 2024 and had been released on licence when he attacked PC Attwood. Barrister Kevin Molloy, for Humar, said his client's behaviour could be a reaction to bullying suffered at school. He told the judge: "The violence was in an attempt to get away rather that just attacking someone for the sake of it." Mr Molloy said Humar had taken "responsibility" by pleading guilty. Marcus Rickard, for Hannan, said PC Attwood had been "heroic" and there was no doubt the brothers behaviour was "appalling". He said Hannan had also suffered "horrific" bullying at school and been diagnosed withpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mr Rickard said Hannan was a "very conflicted young man" but added: "There is a good person in there." Sir Mark said: "PC Attwood's actions demonstrated the very best of policing – bravery, dedication, a commitment to service and a passionate drive to protect people. "All of us at the Met are incredibly proud to call him a colleague." Det Insp Caeva Taylor, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said his "bravery" helped her team gather evidence: "PC Attwood risked his life to protect the public." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news onBBC Sounds,Facebook,InstagramandX.
Brothers jailed after machete attack on policeman
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"Brothers Sentenced to Seven Years for Machete Attack on Off-Duty Officer"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Two brothers, Hannan Mahmood, 20, and Humar Mahmood, 19, have been sentenced to seven years in prison for their violent attack on an off-duty police officer, PC Darren Attwood, during a robbery in Luton town center on November 2. The brothers confronted the officer while armed with machetes after stealing a dirt bike valued at approximately £1,000. During the incident, PC Attwood bravely identified himself as a police officer and attempted to intervene, leading to Humar Mahmood swinging a machete at him, resulting in a stab wound to the chest. The attack was described as highly dangerous, particularly as children were present in the vicinity at the time. The court heard evidence including CCTV footage and accounts from the victim, highlighting the severity of the assault and the heroism displayed by PC Attwood in his attempt to prevent the brothers from escaping. Judge Allison Hunter commended the officer for his courage, awarding him the High Sheriff's Award and a monetary sum of £500 for his bravery during the incident.
The brothers have prior criminal convictions, with Humar having a history of wounding and knife offenses, and Hannan previously convicted of robbery and assault. Their defense lawyers attempted to mitigate their actions by attributing their violent behavior to experiences of bullying in school, suggesting that their responses were influenced by past traumas. However, both the prosecution and the judge underscored the severity of their actions, emphasizing the need for accountability. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, praised PC Attwood's dedication and commitment to public safety, stating that his actions exemplified the best of policing. The case not only highlights the risks faced by police officers in the line of duty but also raises concerns about youth violence and the factors contributing to such criminal behavior in society. Det Insp Caeva Taylor remarked on PC Attwood's bravery, noting that his quick actions helped in gathering crucial evidence for the investigation.
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