Bystanders fend off sword attacker after man is injured in Milton Keynes

Aaron Messenbird threatened a group in Milton Keynes with a samurai sword and assaulted a man who stepped in to protect them. Bystanders fought him off, including one who used what appeared to be a spirit level; the case highlights the risks people face when intervening in an armed incident.

Messenbird, 32, was arrested on 5 August and pleaded guilty to threatening someone with a bladed article, possessing one in public and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The assault took place at about 9pm on 30 July, and the injured man suffered hand damage, including a tendon injury requiring specialist treatment, and rib injuries. Aylesbury Crown Court sentenced Messenbird to 12 months in prison; police praised the bystanders but advised people to get to safety and call 999 rather than confront someone carrying a weapon.