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Husband in window leap to save family

Mark Hesford
10/10/2008

A FRANTIC man, whose family was being held up in their own home by two knife-wielding thugs, jumped from a bedroom window so he could raise the alarm. He broke his ankle in the fall.

During the incident two police officers who responded to the 999 call were stabbed and needed hospital treatment.

His wife, who does not wish to be identified, told The Advertiser: "We were upstairs fast asleep when we heard the sound of glass breaking and saw two people in the lobby dragging out our bike.

"I just feel so upset, angry and traumatised by it. During the incident, I just hoped that someone would hear what was going on and phone the police."

The officers had attended the scene after hearing that two armed men had smashed down the front door to the house in Rudd Street, Harpurhey, and were threatening the family inside, including a 16-year-old boy.

One officer needed eight stitches to an arm wound and another received puncture wounds to the knees. Both needed hospital treatment.

One man was arrested. A second intruder, who fled the scene, is still being sought by police.

Superintendent Rebekah Sutcliffe said: "Were it not for the bravery and rapid response of the officers, there is a chance that the occupants would have been seriously injured during this vicious attack.

"This incident illustrates the dangers that police officers face daily when trying to protect the public and prevent crime. If you know anything that you think could help us, I urge you to get in touch."

The second man believed to be involved is described as being possibly of mixed race but with pale skin and dark features.

He was slim and dressed in a black hooded top. He spoke with a Manchester accent.

Anyone with information should contact Gray Mare Lane CID on 0161 856 3540 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A MAN accused of stabbing two police officers with a knife is to face trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Leon Smith, 23, of Cobden Street, Moston, was charged with attempting to murder Sergeant Chris Flint and wounding PC Philip Bainbridge with intent to resist arrest.

He was also charged with assaulting three other officers with intent to resist arrest and three counts of robbery following an incident at a house on Rudd Street, Harpurhey, just after midnight on Monday.

The robbery charges involve the theft of cash and a mountain bike.

Mr Smith is to appear at the crown court for a plea and case management hearing on 23 December. He made no bid for bail.