Moment hero shop worker fights off knife-wielding attacker with MOP after thug ambushed him as he cleaned floors
THIS is the moment a hero shop worker fights off a knife-wielding attacker with a MOP.
Mareez Bachu hid the huge blade in a pizza box before ambushing the man as he cleaned his floors.
Dramatic footage showed the 20-year-old waving the knife around as the unnamed worker fought him off with a mop.
Bachu then slashes at him – forcing the victim to also pick up a wet floor sign in a bid to protect himself.
Moments later, three men can be seen entering the shop in Plymouth, Devon, unaware of the horror taking place inside.
Bachu then lunges at the teens and chases them out while still clutching the weapon.
Once outside, the thug turns his attention to a man walking home from work and begins running after him.
He then stabs him in the stomach twice as passers-by rush over to help him.
Even when police arrived, Bachu continued waving the knife around until officers used an incapacitant spray on him.
The stabbing victim was rushed to hospital with serious and potentially life-threatening injuries – including a collapsed lung and perforated diaphragm.
He was operated on before spending a significant time in recovery.
Bachu, now aged 23, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, possession of a bladed article in a public place, assaulting a police officer, and affray.
He was cleared of attempted murder and wounding with intent following the horror in April 2022.
Bachu, who has subsequently been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was handed a hospital order at Truro Crown Court.
Investigating officer A/Detective Sergeant Andrew Trott-Rodgers said: “Firstly I would like to say thank you to the victim and to the witnesses for their co-operation and support throughout this case.
“Our thoughts remain with the victim as he continues to recover from the lasting effects of his injuries. His life has not been the same.
“I also wish to highlight the actions of those present that night who put themselves in danger to avoid any further harm coming to the victim.
“Bachu clearly demonstrated violent behaviour that night and posed a real threat to the public.
“Thankfully, officers arrived at the scene and as highlighted by the judge, reacted with immense courage in confronting Bachu who was still waving the knife around. Their act prevented further risk to the victim and to others.
“Bachu will now remain in a safe place to get the treatment he needs.”