Man stabs innocent bystander before ransacking hospital waiting room

‘This was a terrifying experience not only for the victim who was stabbed ... but also for the public and staff,’ police say

A man has been jailed after stabbing an innocent bystander outside a Midlands hospital before proceeding into A&E wielding the knife, ransacking the waiting room and forcing terrified staff and patients to flee.

Yusuf Aka, 22, was confronted by a brave female nurse in the waiting area of Leicester Royal Infirmary as she bought time for a person in a wheelchair to escape.

Moments earlier, CCTV footage showed Aka calmly walking towards two men and stabbing one in a swipe aimed towards the victim’s upper body at 2am on 16 January, Leicestershire Police said.

He then walked through the sliding doors into the busy waiting room and began ripping computer terminals out of their power sockets in reception and hurling them around the room as patients and staff ran for their lives.

A wheelchair-bound man was left stranded among the room’s chairs and was spotted by a nurse who approached Aka and gave the man time to escape, as the assailant hurled a computer at him.

Once all of the waiting patients had fled the nurse ran for the nearest doorway, leaving Aka alone, knife in hand.

Aka, of Grovebury Walk, Leicester, had previously admitted grievous bodily harm after stabbing the 25-year-old victim in the back.

He also pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a knife and was jailed for five years for the attack at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.

Kerry Johnston, University Hospitals of Leicester’s emergency department Head of Nursing, paid tribute to the “exceptional bravery” of staff in the face of Aka’s onslaught.

“This was a frightening experience for both patients and staff in the department that night, the impact of which cannot be underestimated,” she said.

“My thanks go to the emergency department staff, involved in the incident, who showed exceptional bravery in bringing this serious attack to a swift and safe conclusion with the help of Leicestershire Police and other members of the public.”

After sentencing, Detective Constable Chris Symmonds said: “This was a terrifying experience not only for the victim who was stabbed, but also for the many members of the public and staff who were present that morning.

“Aka carried on his rampage oblivious to the panic breaking out behind him.

“The actions of members of staff who quickly took control of the situation, and led people out of his way without a thought for their own safety, was commendable, and they should be proud of what they accomplished.

Press Association contributed to this report