Stabbed cop speaks of horror after ‘bloodied dad grabs big knife’

A young police officer who was stabbed in the face said it was a miracle no one was killed after a father-of-six grabbed a large knife “out of the blue” and launched a terror attack. PC Tim Smithson responded to reports of a domestic incident with a colleague when chaos broke out at a house in Birmingham.

The 23-year-old trainee officer, who was a year into training, was violently attacked at an address in Yardley Wood Road, Sparkhill. Tariq Zeb, 53, admitted wounding with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The former HM Revenue & Customs software engineer was jailed for five years and five months at Birmingham Crown Court on June 24.

Now, in his own words, Tim has recalled what happened that day, revealing the impact on him and his family. He said: “It was November last year and we were called to a domestic incident. Everything seemed so calm at first.

READ MORE: ‘Blood-stained’ dad who stabbed cop in the face

“I supported the woman involved and my colleague spoke to the man. After about four to five minutes, we gathered to discuss next steps. The man followed us and I asked him to go to the other room so we could decide. what should we do.”

Tim said it was then that the man “out of the blue” grabbed a large kitchen knife and began to “go at him” and his colleague, PC Kevin Wood. “No doubt he wanted to hurt us. He was going after us with the knife and punching us,” Tim said. “The judge said it was luck that there were no casualties that day.”

Tim suffered a cut on his left cheek, just below his eye. “I fell back and felt a warm liquid on my face, but it wasn’t until I stood up that I realized I was bleeding profusely,” he said. “It’s scary to think what could have happened if my head had been lower or the man’s arm had been higher. I could have lost an eye, I could have been blind.”

Despite their best efforts, the officers struggled to stop the attack. “I used my PAVA but it was unsuccessful,” said Tim. “My colleague discharged the Taser twice and it was the second attempt that was successful and ultimately stopped the man from attacking us.

“I was lucky I was equipped with someone with a Taser. I don’t know what would have happened if the Taser hadn’t been successful.” The man was handcuffed and help soon arrived to help officers apprehend the offender.

He added: “I know I was lucky to walk away with the minor injuries I did, but mentally what happened still affects me every time I go out to work. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the job, but it definitely left me with a level of anxiety and restlessness. And it’s not just me, it’s my family too. They found it very upsetting and always worry about me.

“Given he had no previous convictions I was pleased with the outcome and hope this sends a strong message that violence against officers will not be tolerated,” Tim said.

The officer shared his experience after figures from the Office for National Statistics showed there were 2,475 assaults on police officers in West Midlands Police, which currently has around 8,000 officers. Of the 2,475 attacks, 893 resulted in injury.

He said: “Assaults on officers are becoming far too common and it is not acceptable. Our job is to help people, so why do so many of us continue to be violently attacked?”

Tim also praised the Police Federation, which represents senior officers, for their support following the attack, revealing branch chairman Rich Cooke called him the day after the incident to check. Mr Cooke said: “After seeing the body worn by the body. video – which I found difficult to watch, even after 24 years on the job – Tim showed extraordinary calm and stoicism in the face of such a vicious, unprovoked attack.

“The physical and mental scars from such incidents can never be erased, but you learn to adapt and come back stronger, as Tim showed. Tim is a credit to the Force. I hope this sentence acts as a deterrent – five years in prison should serve as a strong punishment and a warning to others who may attack us.”

Tim was also supported by Federation representative Gemma Griffith, who is also his sergeant. She said: “Tim and Kevin showed real courage and dignity throughout the process, from the initial incident where they were professional and heroic, through to the trial and sentencing.

“Tim is a limited service student officer who returned to work just days after being cut. He’s back out on the streets as if it never happened, although I recognize the personal impact this must have had on him and I can only praise the way he’s carried on with his work. police. He continued to put audience members first when going through his own personal pain and suffering.

“I am extremely proud to oversee both Tim and Kevin (Kevin later left the team for a new role) and are a credit to our team and organization.”

Stay keep up to date with the latest news from your street or neighborhood in Birmingham or the West Midlands with our Birmingham News Email updates sent directly to your inbox