Members of the public commended by Chief Constable after halting knife attack on elderly neighbour

In the early hours of Monday 11 July 2022, Phillip and Geraldine Baddley were alerted by screams and the repeated sounds of a car horn coming from outside their home.

They both immediately went to check outside and were disturbed to see a tall dark figure in their neighbour’s driveway.

The figure appeared to be trying to steal their neighbour’s car, however, the reality was that he was attacking their elderly neighbour who was sat helplessly in her car

Without thought for her safety Geraldine was first to act, leaning over her garden fence and attempting to stop the figure by grabbing hold of them and shouting. Philip soon took over from his wife, who then went to call the police for get help.

Philip, also not knowing the severity of the situation and with little thought of his well-being grabbed the figure and held them as tight as he could, with a scuffle ensuing.

It was at this point that another neighbour, John Harrop, intervened upon hearing about the ongoing disturbance. John's immediate concern was that of the safety of his neighbour, above that of himself and his heavily pregnant fiancé, who was witnessing the events unfold from inside their home.

Quick-acting John proceeded to tackle the suspect, pinning him to the ground, however, the attacker stabbed John in the leg in a desperate attempt to incapacitate him. Yet this did not stop him, with John having pulled the blade from his leg and advancing toward the attacker, who quickly fled from the scene in fear.

Cheshire Police officers soon arrived on the scene. They found that the elderly woman had 18 stab wounds across her forehead, neck, chest, abdomen, right leg, and both hands. The injuries had been inflicted by a self-made weapon consisting of two large kitchen knives bound together at the handles.

As a result, she underwent extensive surgery, but thankfully, following many months of treatment and therapy from the intensive care unit, she recovered from her injuries.

As for John, he sustained a deep stab wound to his leg and was admitted to hospital, with the injury requiring intensive surgery, leaving him unable to walk for many months, plus a 9” scar that acts as a lifetime reminder of the incident.

Philip sustained grazes to his abdomen and hands from the struggle with the offender.

The suspect was soon apprehended and later charged with offences including attempted murder, grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

The trio's selflessness and bravery in the face of danger was rewarded by Chief Constable Mark Roberts during the most recent Chief's Awards at Cheshire Police Headquarters on Wednesday 19 September 2024.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, said:

“Without their quick thinking and heroic, actions, the unprovoked attack could have been fatal. You are the epitome of amazing neighbours and the woman you saved will be forever grateful.

"It is without doubt that the selfless actions of all three brave individuals saved the life of their elderly female neighbour. They have been recognised by HHJ Mr Everett for their bravery and are indeed deserving of the Chief Constable's Commendation.”