Nurse who protected patients from knife-wielding man in A&E insists she was just doing her job

'It was like a horror film,' says Caroline Clayton-Barker

A hospital nurse who stood in the way of a knifeman to usher patients to safety said she was just doing her job by carrying out the act of bravery.

Yusuf Aka had already stabbed one person when he burst into the accident and emergency department at Leicester Royal Infirmary brandishing a blade.

But nurse Caroline Clayton-Barker and several other hospital staff jumped into action to protect those in the waiting room.

The 36-year-old can be seen in CCTV footage of the incident guiding patients to their nearest exits as Aka begins to throw computer equipment across the department.

At one point she briefly came face-to-face with the knifeman before running for safety herself.

“It was like a horror film,” Ms Clayton-Barker told BBC Leicestershire: “As soon as I realised he was going to cause havoc I just said, 'right everybody out'. I don't feel brave, it's just your job, it's your duty of care to protect your patients.”

Aka pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, wounding with intent, affray and possession of an offensive weapon at a hearing at Leicester Crown Court in May. The 22-year-old was jailed for five years for the charge of GBH.

Security footage of the incident released by police following the sentencing shows him walking towards two men outside the accident and emergency unit at around 2am on 16 January this year.

He lunges at one of the victims, stabbing him in the back, before both they both flee the scene.

He then moves inside the hospital and begins causing chaos in the busy reception area as he picks up computer monitors and throws them across the room.

“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,” said DC Chris Symmonds, of Leicestershire Police. “Aka carried on his rampage oblivious to the panic breaking out behind him.

Yusuf Aka has been jailed for five years over the hospital attack (Leicestershire Police)

“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.”

The incident ended when he was tackled and detained by hospital security and staff members.

Kerry Johnston, emergency department had of nursing at Leicester’s Hospitals said: “This was a frightening experience for both patients and staff in the department that night, the impact of which cannot be underestimated.

“My thanks goes 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.”