Two hero Metrolink workers who helped detain a terrorist sympathiser in the Manchester Victoria New Year's Eve attack have been presented with bravery awards.
Adam Ward and Miah Uddin rushed towards the scene after hearing Anna Charlton's chilling scream, who alongside her partner James Knox, had been stabbed as they were walking to the tram.
The Metrolink Travel Safe Staff and British Transport Police officers immediately confronted the knife-wielding attacker Mahdi Mohamud.
They pinned the suspect down at the train station and a struggle ensued, during which 31-year-old Police Sergeant Lee Valentine was stabbed in the shoulder.
Mohamud, who was repeatedly shouting 'this is for Allah', was quickly detained by officers with the help of Adam and Miah and was arrested.
On November 27, Mohamud was sentenced to life with a minimum of 11 years in prison after admitting three counts of attempted murder and one count of possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
Manchester Crown Court heard that he was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the attack, on New Year's Eve last year, and had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
His barrister Rebecca Trowler QC said that his extremist ideas and his offending were 'inextricably linked' to his mental health.
Earlier this month, Adam and Miah were presented with Public Police Bravery Awards commending their courage on that night.
The awards come after the Metrolink workers, as well as BTP officers Sergeant Lee Valentine, PC Marsha Selby, PC Ashleigh Williams and PC Tom Wright, received Chief Constable's commendations for their bravery back in 2019.
After receiving the award, Miah said: “On the night of the incident I didn’t think about what I was doing, I just instantly knew I needed to help.
“The officers were quickly on the scene and were great in keeping the gentleman under control until further support arrived.
“I really enjoyed the award ceremony; it was a proud night for me and my family.
“I would also like to thank Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, for presenting me with my award on the evening.”
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Adam said he 'just heard a scream' at the station and 'knew he had to try and help'.
He added: “I can only thank my colleague and fellow BTP officers for having the same reaction.
“The ceremony was great and was a good bit of final closure to what had happened on that night.”
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, who presented Adam and Miah with their awards, said: “Adam and Miah ran to support the BTP officers and assisted in detaining Mohamud, without regard for their own personal safety.
“Without their valuable assistance there could have been further or more life-threatening injuries and their actions can only be described as brave, selfless and highly commendable.
“As soon as they heard the screams they demonstrated extreme courage and assisted in bringing a horrific attack to an end within seconds.”
