Police footage shows man slashing officer in neck with knife

South Yorkshire Police has released bodycam footage showing the moment a man slashed a police officer in the neck with a knife

A man has been jailed after attacking an officer with a knife, as his team responded to reports of threatening behaviour.

The bodycam footage shows Glynn Leedell charging at the officer when he and his colleagues enter a house in Kimberworth Park, Rotherham, in July.

He slashes the back of the officer’s neck. The injured officer and his colleagues then manage to restrain Leedell, remove the knife and arrest him. A second officer also had injuries to his hand.

Detectives described it as a “disgraceful act of violence”.

Multiple people had reported the 46-year-old for his behaviour towards a woman after he was seen acting aggressively and making threats to assault her.

Leedell from Binders Road in Rotherham pleaded guilty to wounding with intent. He has been jailed for four years and six months.

Chief Superintendent Andy Wright, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “Our officers put themselves at risk every day as they work to keep the public safe.

“This was a disgraceful act of violence which could have had devastating consequences.

“I am thankful that the officers concerned did not suffer more serious injuries from this vicious attack. I would like to commend both officer’s bravery during this incident. Despite sustaining injuries, they courageously helped their colleagues restrain Leedell and remove the knife from the situation – ensuring no one else could be injured.”

He added: “Leedell not only injured our officers but subjected an innocent woman to threats and abuse – making her feel unsafe in her own home as well as affecting others in the community.”