A man who attempted to murder a British Transport Police (BTP) special constable in a targeted attack at Preston station in Lancashire has been convicted of the offence.

At around 9.30 pm on 7th September 2024, the victim, Russell Smith, aged 54, of Shakespeare Road, Preston, attacked a BTP Special Constable at Preston station.

The Special Constable was part of a policing operation to ensure passenger safety during the Radio 2 Summer Festival.

Smith followed the officer outside the station and stood directly behind him, staring at him with his hand on the knife in his pocket.

While the Special Constable was advising two members of the public on their travel plans, Smith approached the officer from behind and repeatedly moved his hand to his trouser pocket, where he had a kitchen knife concealed.

As the officer walked into the station, Smith pulled the knife from his pocket, raised it above his head and ran towards the officer, stabbing him in the back of the neck. The force of the blow caused the officer to fall forwards, and as he tried to crawl away, Smith again approached him with the knife.

One of the officer’s colleagues heard his screams and ran to his aid, and Smith backed away.

When his colleague realised the officer had been stabbed, he restrained Smith with his captor spray, which caused Smith to drop the knife allowing another officer to handcuff him.

The officer attacked by Smith sustained a puncture wound to the thoracic spine area. It was only by sheer luck that this injury did not result in him suffering life-threatening or life-changing injuries.

When Smith was taken into custody, he smeared his own faeces over the walls of his cell and continued to be violent, telling officers he would attack more officers, and asking if the victim was dead.

On Thursday, 27th February, a jury at Preston Crown Court found Smith guilty of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article and will be sentenced on Monday, 14th April.

“This was an exceptionally violent, shocking and calculated attack on a uniformed police officer as they were simply doing their job. It is a testament to the character of the officer involved that he has now returned to duty and remains determined to fulfil his role as a special constable, protecting the public and keeping the railway safe. Police officers, particularly those who take on an unpaid role to protect the public, uphold the law and keep us all safe – and they should be able to do so without fear of violence. On behalf of all of BTP, I am pleased to see justice served today.”

Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle