Copyright standard
A thug stabbed a female police officer in the face in a brutal attack likened to something from a Scream horror movie. Declan Diedrick, 25, attacked officers when they tried to get him to put down a seven-inch serrated kitchen knife. Police were initially called to concerns for his mental health on Hull Grove, in Harlow, Essex. A member of the public also helped restrain Diedrick who was handcuffed within 60 seconds on December 29, 2023. At Chelmsford Crown Court, he was convicted of assault causing grievous bodily harm. Sentencing was fixed for December 8. Detective Superintendent Dan Morrissey said: “The determination and violence Diedrick showed that night was truly horrifying. “One of the officers attacked described the Diedrick’s actions as like something from a Scream film – that is not something any officer should have to expect when responding to a call for help. “He specifically targeted officers, not the members of the public also trying to stop him. “The officers that responded that night are examples of the incredible bravery of all our officers trying to do the best for the people they serve, putting others first and putting themselves in harm’s way.” Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington added: “Thankfully, incidents like this are quite rare but it is an example of the lengths my officers will go to keep you safe and protect the public from those who pose them a danger.”
