Hero Police Officer Tackles Knife-Wielding Attacker in Lewisham as UK Faces Surge in Retail Violence

Officer’s quick thinking leads to knifeman’s arrest and imprisonment

A courageous police officer's swift actions have led to the imprisonment of a violent attacker, in an incident highlighting the growing threat of knife crime and rising violence in retail settings across the UK.

Video: Mererpolition Police London

PC Morgan Younger, aged 23, single-handedly subdued and disarmed 66-year-old Fitzgerald Carty after witnessing him attempt to stab another man at a petrol station on Lee High Road, Lewisham. The officer’s decisive intervention prevented serious harm to the victim and resulted in Carty receiving a substantial prison sentence.

Knife attacker jailed after attempted stabbing

Carty, of Dacre Park, Lewisham, pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to charges of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the attempted attack, alongside six months for carrying the weapon, to be served concurrently.

The attack took place at approximately 3:00pm on Saturday, 25 January. PC Younger, attached to the South East Command Unit, was on patrol and had stopped briefly at the petrol station when he witnessed Carty grab the victim by the throat and brandish a large knife.

Without hesitation, PC Younger intervened, wrestling the suspect to the ground, disarming him, and restraining him alone while calling for back-up. He managed to keep control of the attacker for five minutes until additional officers arrived, ensuring no harm came to the victim, a man in his 40s.

Image: Mererpolition Police

Officer praised for bravery amid rising knife crime

Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, responsible for policing in Lewisham, praised PC Younger’s bravery:

“Thanks to the outstanding work of PC Younger, a dangerous individual is now behind bars. He didn’t think twice about tackling a violent knifeman, preventing what could have been a life-threatening incident. His professionalism and courage embody the very best of policing.”

PC Younger commented on the incident:

“I acted instinctively—there was no question in my mind that I needed to stop this man. My training took over, and I’m just glad the victim was unharmed and that the attacker is now in prison.”

Knife crime and retail violence on the rise

This case shines a spotlight on the broader, alarming trend of knife crime and violence across the UK, particularly within retail environments. Recent figures from the British Retail Consortium reveal a disturbing increase in violent incidents involving weapons, with frontline retail staff frequently facing threats, assaults, and theft.

Communities, police officers, and retail workers alike are grappling with these growing challenges, with knives commonly used to intimidate, injure, or facilitate criminal acts.

Chief Superintendent Lawry added:

“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by knife crime, not only on our streets but also in places where people shop, work, and socialise. We remain determined to tackle these offences and keep the public safe.”

PC Younger has since been nominated for a commendation for his heroic actions, serving as an example of the courage and professionalism shown daily by police officers across the country.